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Semana Santa (LEER)

Last updated almost 5 years ago
5 questions
Note from the author:
Semana Santa, Reading Comprehension
SEMANA SANTA (LEER)

Usa esta información (con el video de TíoSpanish) para completar las preguntas de comprensión.
Use this information (with the TioSpanish video) in order to complete the comprehension questions.

SOURCE: http://www.donquijote.org/culture/spain/society/holidays/semana-santa

Semana Santa traditions in Spain are vibrant celebrations, with religious origins, that take place during the days leading up to Easter Sunday. It is a time when emotion-stirring processions make their way through cities and towns across Spain, back dropped by spring weather and unique landscapes. Semana Santa festivities vary by region, each displaying their own special flavor; those of the Andalusia region are particularly famous for their powerfully charged mood. What they all have in common is a passionate observance of tradition that attracts the devout and the curious each year, who gather on streets and squares to experience the intense ambience produced by music bands and float bearers featured in the processions.

Many procession participants are members of brotherhoods. These are responsible for skillfully carrying and maneuvering floats with statues of religious figures as well as coordinating the musicians. Sometimes up to two thousand members of a brotherhood take part, some carry candles, rods or banners depending on their level of seniority. The most senior is the president who carries a golden rod.

The "costaleros" who carry the weight of the floats and their sculptured representations of the biblical scene are directed by the overseer or head of the group who ensure that the float is carried with maximum seriousness, grace and tradition. To be able to survive the long hours and distance carrying the heavy "thrones" the costaleros have a cushion, known as the costal, which prevents the direct contact of the wood rubbing against the skin. The thrones are followed by "nazarenos" dressed in tunics, hoods and masks and women dressed in traditional costume.

The high point of the procession is when the float exits and enters the respective church. This is the moment when art and religion seem merged into one. A sculpture of images created by superb craftsmen. The best floats date back to the 16th and 17th centuries and can still be seen today.

The entire scene is alive with colour and sound, thanks to the polychromatic variety of tunics, hoods, ensigns and banners. Emotions are stirred by the slow rythmic beating of the drums and processional marches, the swaying paces of the bearers and the poignant wailing of the "saeta" which is a sacred song, similar to the flamenco and sung through the Holy Week processions.

Even if you are not religious, it is difficult not to be moved, the atmosphere is so vital and poignant. For some it is a fun filled fiesta time, for others a week of ritual and reflection. Without a doubt, Holy Week is a tradition that is an integral part of the culture and appropriately reflects the spirit of the people.

Year after year, each and every village proudly enjoys the beauty and mystery of "Semana Santa" although there are variances and some towns for instance, will preserve certain traditions more than others. The villages and hamlets generally hold their parades on Thursdays and Fridays, while the large capital cities have week long celebrations and attract thousands of people from far and wide.

Irrespective of size, each float represents the pride and enthusiasm of every Andaluz who will spend the entire night, from dusk until dawn, accompanying them in solemn reverence to his or her religion.
5

Clasifica la frase: VERDAD (true) o FALSO (false).

  • A cofradía is a group of neighbors that come together and process through the streets during Semana Santa.
  • A saeta is a traditional song sung to honor Mary or Jesus.
  • The costaleros wear tall, pointed hoods and masks.
  • The Catholic Faith and her traditions are important to Spain and the country's history.
  • A man in a Semana Santa procession, carrying a golden rod is likely the president of his brotherhood.
  • VERDAD
  • FALSO
5

Clasifica la frase: VERDAD (true) o FALSO (false).

  • El paso (from the YouTube clip) most likely matches the throne described in the reading.
  • The celebration of Semana Santa has religious roots.
  • The pointed hoods worn by the nazarenos are called 'mantillas.'
  • The participants sing hymns as well as play passionate music.
  • Semana Santa translates into English as Santa Week.
  • VERDAD
  • FALSO
5

Clasifica la frase: VERDAD (true) o FALSO (false).

  • The faces of the participants are covered by pointed hoods to protect their identities as sinners.
  • Traditionally, the processional floats are pulled by horses.
  • The nazarenos carry the heavy scenes through the streets.
  • Semana Santa is celebrated every year as the third and fourth week of March.
  • The capataz directs or leads the carriers of the biblical scenes in unison.
  • VERDAD
  • FALSO
5

Clasifica la frase: VERDAD (true) o FALSO (false).

  • La mantilla is black to represent the mourning of Jesus Christ's death.
  • Women are excluded from participating in the procession.
  • Semana Santa is observed differently throughout the regions of Spain, but generally with reverence and celebration.
  • The procession is a passionate observance of tradition.
  • The traditional floats depict spring weather scenes and unique landscaping.
  • VERDAD
  • FALSO
5

Clasifica la frase: VERDAD (true) o FALSO (false).

  • Semana Santa commemorates the election of the President.
  • Spanish Catholics observe Lent and fasting traditions, just like many American Catholics.
  • In Spain, Holy Week lasts the 40 days of Lent.
  • Each procession ends at a cathedral.
  • The Semana Santa procession is an important religious celebration but also a social gathering.
  • VERDAD
  • FALSO