HOLY WEEK IN MALAGA

VOCABULARY
Key words
'Trono', 'palio'…to a layperson, the vocabulary of Holy Week is unknown. Here,
we've tried to define some of the terms we consider to be the key to understand
this festive occasion.

A
Acólito (Acolyte)
'Acólito' is a child who provides assistance in church or during the procession.
The term is usually applied to those who wear a dalmatic and carry long, ornate
candlesticks ahead of each ceremonial platform.

Advocación
A canonical title given to a religious image according to its representation in the
Gospels or in the heart of the Catholic Church.

Agrupación de Cofradías (Association of Confraternities)

This body was founded in 1921 in order to unite all the 'Brotherhoods of
Passion'.

Alamares
'Alamares' is a collective term that describes cording, braiding and tassels.
These items are made from gold, worsted silver or cotton, and sewn onto the
canopy.

Andas
Small 'tronos' used by confraternities in processions.

Ánforas (Amphoras)
Silver or silver gilt metal vases containing flowers and placed along the side of
the 'trono' carrying statues of the Virgin Mary. They come in many sizes.

Aguaor (Water Carrier)

An 'Aguaor' (Water Carrier) is a person who gives water to the 'Hombres de
Trono' to quench their thirst during the procession.

Al cielo con ella (To the heavens with her)

'Al cielo con ella' (To the heavens with her) is an expression used by the
'Mayordomos' and bearers of a 'trono', usually at the 'encierro' (closing
ceremony) while the 'trono' is being lifted up.
Alba
'Alba' is a robe or tunic made from white linen and worn by priests over their
habit when holding divine services.

Albacea, Albacea general

'Albacea, Albacea general' (executor, general executor) is a person who forms
part of the Governing Body of their particular Brotherhood and arranges altars,
hands out tunics, etc. The 'general executor' is the member of the Governing
Body who organises everything related to Confraternity Worship (internal and
external) and also in charge of cleaning and caring for items pertaing to such
worship.

Alpargata (Espadrille)
Footwear made from hemp and similar to a sandal, tied around the foot with
ribbons.

Altar de insignias (Altar of insignia)

An arrangement of Chapels pertaining to a Brotherhood's religious statues so
that its items can be displayed on the days leading up to a procession.

Alza cola
An iron or aluminium framework that extends from behind the head of the Virgin
Mary to the end of the 'trono', acting as a support for her robe.

Alzacable (horquilla)
A long pole ending in a fork that is used in Easter processions to lift up
overhead cables in the streets so that the statues can pass underneath without
catching on them.

Amito
A linen garment that covers a priests back, worn under their robe.

Andar
'Andar' (literally 'to walk') refers to the harmonious movement of a canopied
ceremonial platform as it is carried along in a procession.

Apagavelas (Candle snuffer)

A long instrument made of light wood or metal with a metal bowl on the end
used for reaching candles in high places so that they can be covered over and
extiguished.

Arbórea (Cruz)
A round cross shaped like a thick, wrinkled log.

Arbotante
A set of candlesticks placed at the corners of the 'tronos'. It is a very traditional
practise in Málaga.
Archicofradía (Ancient/High Confraternity)
'Archicofradía' is an Ancient Confraternity or a Confraternity that enjoys greater
privileges than others (High Confraternity).

Aureola (Aureole/Halo)
Circular flashes of light that reflect sanctity and have a varied decoration. Such
aureoles, or halos, are placed on the head of saints carried on processional
platforms.

B
Báculo (Staff)
Insignia similar to that used by bishops and a 'symbol of episcopal power'. Many
brotherhoods carry one at the head of the procession.

Bailar el trono
'Bailar el trono' refers to a ritual whereby those carrying a 'trono' rock it to and
fro as a sign of greeting whenever they encounter another 'trono', either at the
start of at the end of a procession.

Bambalina
'Bambalina' refers to the velvet or mesh drapings embroidered in gold or silk
that hang from the top canopy and are located at the front, back and sides of a
ceremonial platform.

Barras de palio (Canopy bars)

Engraved metal bars that support the canopy on the 'Trono de la Virgen'
(processional platform carrying a statue of the Virgin Mary)

Basamento
The lower section of the bars that hold up the canopy, over which tubing is
placed along with the remaining ornaments, such as the 'macolla' and the
'perilla'.

Bastón
'Bastón' is an insignia that denotes the preponderant role of the Nazarene who
carries it.

Beca (Sash)
An insignia worn over the robes in colleges or universities. It is a cloth sash
about 20 cm wide that is draped over the shoulders and continues down the
back. It often has a rosette of the same fabric on the left-hand side.

Bendición (Blessing)
A ceremony performed by a Nazarene in Plaza de la Constitución and 'Tribuna
de los Pobres', and also by 'Jesús el Rico' upon freeing the prisoner.
Berruguita
This is a 'nickname' given to the executioner who accmpanies the statue known
as Jesús de la Puente del Cedrón.

Besamanos (Hand-kissing)
'Besamanos' (literally, Hand-kissing) is an act of worship, generally dedicated to
the Virgin Mary, whereby a religious statue is offered to the faithful so that they
may kiss her hands.

Besapies (Foot-kissing)
'Besapies' (literally, Foot-kissing) is a similar form of worship to that of
'Besamanos' (Hand-kissing), but dedicated to the Lord. On this occassion, the
faithful kiss the feet of a statue of Christ.

Bocinas (Horns)
'Bocinas' (Horns) are symbolic insignia of ancient Roman trumpets. They are
made of embossed, silver-gilt metal.

Bomberos
military officer called Ramírez.

Bulla (Crowds)
'Bulla' (Crowds) is the name given to the mass of people who congregate in
certain streets along which a Confraternity passes.

H
Hermano Mayor (Head Brother)
'Hermano Mayor' (Head Brother) is a Brother who has been democratically
elected to preside over a Brotherhood.

Hachas de Viento
This term describes a large, multi-wicked and highly wind-resistant candle.

Hacheta
This insignia is similar to a 'cirial' candlestick, but smaller in size and carried by
Nazarenes. It is normally situated at the front of a 'trono'.

Hachón
Also known as 'blandón, they are thick candles placed at the corners of a
'trono', but only when carrying a statue of Christ on the cross. Some
confraternities only use two such candles, one each side of Christ.

Hebrea (Vestir de)

'Vestir de Hebrea' is an idealized Hebrew-style garment worn by statues of the
Virgin Mary during Lent.
Hermandad (Brotherhood)
A congregation of devotees. All confraternities are brotherhoods, but not vice-
versa.

Hombre de trono
'Hombre de trono' (processional platform bearer) is a typical expression from
Málaga and refers to a man who carries the 'trono'. The term is gradually being
replaced by 'portador' (carrier/bearer).

Horquilla
This is a device used to lift overhead cables in the street so that the religious
statues can pass underneath without getting caught up in them. In olden times,
they were long iron rods with a forked end.

I
Imagen Titular
This refers to a brotherhood's most revered and sacred statue. The brotherhood
is known by the same name as the statue.

Incensario (Incense burner)

Its documentary origins go back to the Middle Ages. It is a recipient divided into
two sections. The lower section is unperforated and is where the incense is
burnt. The upper section is perforated to let the smoke escape. Both sections
are normally decorated with geometric designs, plant motifs, etc. Its chains are
joined at the top by a small disc with a ring on it for hanging it up.

Inri
INRI stands for 'Jesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum', Jesus of Nazareth King of
the Jews, which was written on the Cross of Jesus.

Insignia
A pendant, standard, image or medal pertaining to a brotherhood or
confraternity.

Itinerario (Itinerary)
The route that is to be taken by each confraternity. In the past, it was called the
'carrera'.

J
Jefe de Procesión (Procession Leader)
The person in charge of a procession. It is generally the Hermano Mayor (Head
Brother) of the Confraternity who assumes this responsibilty, though it can be
delegated to another.
Jefe de Sección (Section Leader)
The person in charge of one of the sections of a procession (of Christ or of the
Virgin Mary).

JHS
JHS stands for 'JESUS HOMINUN SALVATOR', or Jesus the Saviour of
Mankind. These initials often appear on shields, 'tronos', 'enseres',
'escapularios', etc.

Junta de Cargos (Meeting of Charges)

This is a meeting that some confraternities hold a few days before a procession
in order to combine criteria and explain to those brothers with special charges
what rules must be observed during the procession.

L
Lábaro
A standard used by Roman emperors onto which Constantine ordered the cross
and the monogram of Christ to be placed.

Lanceta
Its actual name is 'husón' and it is used by upholsterers to stretch fabric. In
Málaga, it is used to secure the robes worn by statues of the Virgin Mary.

Lema (Motto)
A maxim or phrase adopted as a guide by brotherhoods, which summaries their
goals or history. It usually appears on insignia.

Libro de Reglas (Book of Rules)

'Libro de Reglas' (Book of Rules) is as much an insignia of the processions as it
is an actual book containing the rules of the Brotherhood. It is used for
swearing-in newly admitted members.

Lignum Crucis
From the Latin 'lignum' (wood) and 'crucis' (of the cross). A relic from the cross
of Jesus Christ.

Luto, Llevar
'Llevar luto' refers to a black crêpe that is placed on the bell of the 'trono' to
signal the death of a brother or a benefactor of the confraternity.

M
Macolla
In slang used by Málaga's confraternities, 'macolla' is the end-piece of a bar
used to attach it to the canopy. It protrudes from the bar to enable it to be
secured over the top of the canopy roof.
Manteo
In confraternity jargon, the 'manteo' is the small robe worn by some statues of
Christ, such as Pollinica, Huerto, etc., and also by the apostles.

Mantilla
A garment made from silk, wool or other fabric, adorned with tulle or lace or with
no adornment, used by women to cover their heads and sometimes drapes over
the shoulders and partway down the back.

Manto (Robe)
This is a robe worn by statues of the Virgin Mary. When the statue is carried in
a procession, a large robe is used, especially so in Málaga, as it is renowned for
the grandeur of its robes. When the statue is kept inside its church, where it has
a special niche, a smaller robe is preferred.

Manto de Flores (Robe of Flowers)

This robe is made from carnations is only worn by a statue of the Virgin Mary
known as La Virgen de las Penas.

Marcha (March)
A musical composition that accompanies the processions and helps the
platform bearers to keep in step.

Martillo o Mazo (Hammer or Mallet)

This is a large hammer made of wood or metal, used to strike the bell on the
'trono'.

Mayordomo
'Mayordomo' refers to a Nazarene who performs a specific duty at each section
of a procession. From 'trono': idem for the 'Trono'.

Mazas (Maces)
A purely decorative insignia that has no Christian or Roman significance.

Mecida
Rock the 'trono' to and fro. Make it 'dance'.

Mesa del Trono

The framework of a 'trono'. 'Mesa del Trono' is literally 'Table of the Throne'.

Meter el Hombro (Use the Shoulder)

'Meter el Hombro' (Ply/Use the Shoulder) This expression refers to the correct
way of working as a 'hombre de trono' (literally, Man of the Throne). It involves
bending your legs, placing your shoulder under the carrying pole and lifting up
the processional platform.
Misterio
'Misterio' (literally 'Mystery') refers to a sculptural portrayal of a scene from the
Passion of Jesus.

Moldurón
Carved wood or embossed metal moulding around a 'trono' and rests on the
table.

Moreno
This is a 'nickname' used by brotherhoods in reference to specific religious
statues, namely El Dulce Nombre de Jesús Nazareno del Paso and El Cristo de
los Gitanos.

Morrilleras (Tassles/Braids)
These are silk tassles or gold braids that hang from the drapings of a canopy.

Muñidor (Bell ringer)

'Muñidor' (bell ringer) is a kind of servant of a Confraternity who wears a black
robe with lace ruff and cuffs. He rings the bells in the Sagrada Mortaja
procession.

N
Naveta (Navicular censer)
A kind of vessel in which incense is carried to be burnt in a procession or at a
service.

Nazareno/a (Nazarene)
'Nazareno/Nazarena' (male/female Nazarene) is a member of a confraternity
who wears a tunic and 'capirote' (a long, conical headdress) and accompanies
the 'pasos' (ceremonial platform bearing a religious image). Some Brotherhoods
do not allow female members.

Niños de trono
'Niños de trono' (literally 'Throne children') is the name given to youngsters who
carry a 'trono' and do not wear a tunic or 'faraón'.

Novia de Málaga
'Novia de Málaga' (Bride/Fiancée of Málaga) is a name given to the statue of
the Virgin Mary known as La Virgen del Rocio. The term was first applied in
1931.

O
Oler a Semana Santa
'Oler a Semana Santa' (literally, 'to Smell of Holy Week') is a typical expression
from Málaga used when spring and Lent are approaching.
Orfebrería (Precious metalwork)
'Orfebrería' (Goldsmithery/precious metalwork) is the art of working precious
metals. In this particular case, it describes all gold or silver works of art that
form part of a 'Trono' (processional platform/table bearing a religious image).

P
Pábilo (Wick)
A string made from thread, cotton, etc. that runs through the inside of a candle
or torch so that it can be lit and thus provide light.

Palio (Canopy)
'Palio' is a canopy supported by poles that covers a ceremonial platform
carrying a statue of the Virgin Mary. 'Bambalinas' (velvet drapings) hang from
the canopy.

Paño de bocina
'Paño de bocina' refers to an insignia, usually made of velvet, with the
emblem/shield of the Brotherhood embroidered on it.

Parihuela
A wooden structure upon which the religious statues and artistic objects of a
'paso' (ceremonial platform) are placed.

Parón (Halt)
'Parón' (Stop/Halt) refers to an interlude that occurs during a procession.

Paso (Ceremonial platform)

'Paso' refers to a kind of ceremonial platform on legs where the religious
images/statues are placed so that they can be carried in a procession.

Paso, Al
This describes a way of carrying a ceremonial platform so that it has a graceful,
to-and-fro movement.

Peana
A stand or platform onto which a religious image is placed.

Penitente (Penitent)
In Málaga, a 'penitente' is a Nazarene who carries a candle during a
procession.

Pértiga
A 'pértiga' is a very old insignia (16th - 17th century). It was first used by
Nazarenes in the late 20th century. It is carried by the 'Pertiguero' or 'Maestro
de Ceremonias' (Master of Ceremonies), not only in processions, but also at
important religious events. It is very similar to a 'bastón', but with a knot-shaped
top.

Piña
'Piña' (Pinapple) refers to the flowers that are arranged in amphoras on a
processional platform, so called because of the shape they acquire.

Pollero
This is an iron or wire structure that extends from the head of a Virgin Mary
statue down to the floor of the niche so as to give shape to its robe.

Potencias
These are three rays of light worn exclusively upon the head of statues of Christ
and symbolise His triumph over death, suffering and evil. Each ray of light
usually bears the initials «JHS». They are made from precious metalwork and
often include precious stones.

Procesionista (Processionalist)
This is a typical expression from Málaga. A processionalist does not necessarily
belong to a confraternity, but is certainly a faithful follower of all things related to
Holy Week celebrations.

Promesas, Las
'Las Promesas' (literally, 'The Promises') are people who walk behind a
processional platform in order to fulfill a vow.

Pulso, Subir a
'Subir a Pulso' (Raise by Sheer Strength) is a technique that was adopted many
years ago and involves lifting a processional platform by sheer strength. It was
first performed by El Mutilado.

Pureza
This is a satin or brocade cloth that covers a bare statue of Jesus, extending
from the lumbar region to the knees. Today, the 'pureza' is always sculpted.
Only the statue of Christ belonging to Los Gitanos still observes this tradition.

Q
Quinario (5-Day worship)
'Quinario' (five-day worship) is a 5-day period of worship that the Brotherhoods
dedicate to their patron statues/images.

Quitacimbra
This is a flat plate that transversely secures all the carrying poles on a 'trono'
and stop them from slipping.
Quitasangre
Small black flags carried by the Confraternity of Las Angustias. They are
dragged along the ground in order to symbolically wipe up the Blood of Christ.
Elsewhere, they are called 'banderas de luto' (flags of mourning).

R
Recorrido Oficial (Official Route)
A series of streets along which all processions must travel. It also refers to the
established timetable that they must keep to.

Recrearse
This term is applied to confraternities who march more slowly than usual without
justification and normally occurs along the official route.

Respiradero (Fresh-air inlet)

'Respiradero' (literally 'air vent') is the bottom section of a 'Paso' (ceremonial
platform bearing a religious image/statue). It is usually made of gold-leafed
wood or silver and gets its name from the fact that it acts as a fresh-air inlet for
the 'costaleros' (platform bearers).

Romero, El (Rosemary)
An aromatic herb used to carpet the itinerary of two confraternities: El Paso and
La Esperanza.

Rosa Roja, La (The Red Rose)

A flower worn by the statue of the Virgin Mary known as La Virgen de la
Amargura and which is surrounded by a legend.

Rosario de Antorchas (Rosary of Torches)

Re-established in 1988 by the Confraternity of Los Pasos in the chapel of Monte
Calvario on the eve of La Inmaculada (a holy day dedicated to the Immaculate
Conception). It starts at the Shrine of La Victoria and ends at the Chapel of
Monte Calvario.

Rostrillo
A headdress worn by the Virgin Mary. 'Hacer el rostrillo' means to encompass
the face of the statue with lace or appropriate fabrics.

Rouan (Rouen)
A shiny cotton fabric, a black version of which is used to make the tunics and
conical headdresses of the High Confraternity of Los Dolores. It is more
popularly known as 'plastiquillo'.

T
Toques de salida
Hammer blows that signal the start of a procession.
V
Venia, Pedir la
The expression 'Pedir la Venia' refers to a ceremony whereby brotherhoods ask
the President for permission to cross through Plaza de la Constitución.

Via-Crucis (Stations of the Cross)

'Via-Crucis' (Stations of the Cross) is a Latin expression that describes a route
marked by crosses and altars at which people stop and pray in memory of the
steps taken by Jesus on His way up Mount Calvary.

S
S.P.Q.R.
'S.P.Q.R.' stands for 'Senatus Populusque Romanus'; (The Senate and People
of Rome).

Sacramental
This term describes a Brotherhood whose main objective is to publicly worship
His Divine Majesty.

Saeta
'Saeta' describes a form of Flamenco-style chanted prayer/religious song. There
are three styles: 'seguirilla', 'solea' and 'martinete'.

Salir de Dentro
'Salir de Dentro' (Exit from Within) means to start a procession from within a
church, as opposed to from a 'tinglado' (temporary starting point). All
confraternities aspire to this.

Salus Infirmorum
A velvet standard of the Brotherhood of La Salud, with letters embroidered in
gold reflecting the work undertaken by the Confraternity on behalf of the sick.

Sardineta
This describes the cording worn on the tunic of a statue of Christ known as El
Cristo de la Oración del Huerto.

Saya
An extravagantly embroidered garment worn by the Virgin Mary.

Sayón (Executioner)
'Sayón' refers to a statue that forms part of the 'Pasos de Misterio' (ceremonial
platforms bearing a portryal of the Passion of Christ) and represents a Roman
or a Jewish executioner.
Sede Canónica (Canonical Headquarters)
A church, convent or other headquarters where a religious statue is kept to be
worshipped.

Senatus
'Senatus' is an insignia of Roman origin worn by Nazarenes in the 'Pasos de
Cristo' (ceremonial platforms bearing images of Christ). The term comes from
the abbreviation S.P.Q.R., which in Latin stands for Senatus Populusque
Romanum (The Senate and People of Rome).

Servita (Servite)
One who belongs to the Third Order of the Servants of Mary.

Simpecado
'Simpecado' comes from 'Sin Pecado Concebida' (Without Conceived Sin), a
religious formula referring to the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. In
Easter processions, it is an insignia carried at the head of the section where the
Virgin Mary is transported. It bears the Latin motto 'sine labe concepta'.

T
Tallarse
'Tallarse' (To measure/size up) refers to a technique whereby all the ceremonial
platform bearers are measured from foot to shoulder so that they can be
suitably arranged on the carrying poles. The platform is said to be 'tallado en
cuña' (arranged in a wedge) when the bearers are positioned along each
carrying pole in order of height, from the tallest to the shortest.

Tambor de Cola (Rear drum)

A drum that is carried behind the 'trono' and beats out a rhythm for the bearers
to follow.

Tangarse
'Tangarse' means to remove your shoulder from the carrying pole but pretend
that you are still bearing the weight of the platform.

Techo de palio
'Techo de palio' refers to the upper section/canopy of the 'Tronos de las
Vírgenes' (processional platforms that carry images of the Virgin Mary).

Tinglao
A structure comprised of scaffolding and awnings where processional platforms
are assembled belonging to confraternities who do not have a Brotherhood
House or whose platforms are too large to fit through the entrance of their
canonical headquarters.
Tío del Botijo
A person in charge of supplying water to the platform bearers by way of either
one or two 'botijos' (earthenware jugs) that are refilled in bars along the route.

Tirón, Dar un
'Dar un Tirón' (Make a Spurt) is what happens when a platform falls behind the
rest of the procession and the bearers have to increase their pace in order to
make up the lost ground.

Tirón, Del
The expression 'Del Tirón' describes a processional platform that completes a
section of the route without stooping to rest. Some Confraternities, such as El
Cristo de los Milagros, march from the beginning of Calle Marqués de Larios to
beyond the Tribuna Oficial (Official Stand) with stopping.

Titulares
A respectful title given to a Confraternity's statue of Christ and the Virgin Mary.

Toca
An embroidered or plain lace garment worn by a statue of the Virgin Mary under
her crown and ending just below her shoulders.

Tocado
Also called 'mantilla', it is a garment or tulle made of lace, tissue or satin used to
encompass the face of the Virgin Mary.

Toques de atención
A series of rapid, soft chimes from a ceremonial bell that issues instructions to
the bearers.

Trabajadera
'Trabajadera' (carrying arm) refers to the wooden cross-beams on a 'parihuela'
(ceremonial carriage) that act as carrying arms for the 'costaleros' (platform
bearers).

Tramo
'Tramo' refers to a group of Nazarenes who walk in double file between the
insignia.

Tribuna de los pobres

A series of stone steps leading to the bridge known as El Puente de la Aurora.
The steps are located at the junction between Calle Carretería and Pasillo de
Santa Isabel. There are a total of one hundred steps and it is a popular place to
watch the processions, especially among the more colourfully-dressed local
spectators.
Triduo (3-Day worship)
'Triduo' (three-day worship) refers to a 3-day period of worship that
Brotherhoods dedicate to their patron statues/religious images.

Trono
A large table with carrying poles used for transporting statues, ornaments,
candles, etc. that embellish a Confraternity's main religious statues in a
procession.

Tulipa
Crystal lamps containing candles or acetylene for lighting up the 'trono'.

Túnica (Tunic)
'Túnica' (tunic) refers to the robes worn by Jesus in His Passion. It is the tunic
worn by the Nazarenes.

Turífero
A person who makes or carries incense.

V
Varal
A pole, traditionally made of wood but now replaced by duralumin. A series of
such poles form part of a 'trono' and enable its bearers to transport it on their
shoulders.

Verónica (Veronica)
A woman from Jerusalem who, according to legend, wet Christ's brow when He
was on His way to Mount Calvary.

Vestidor (Dresser)
'Vestidor' (Dresser) refers to the person, usually a man, in charge of attiring the
religious statues/images.