Semana Santa in Seville documents the Spanish city's annual celebration of Holy Week - a tradition that dates back more than five centuries. Lifelike images of Christ and the Virgin, and scenes of the Passion, are carried in procession through the city, escorted by long files of hooded penitents. Throngs of onlookers from all over the world gather to view the spectacle.
The program covers the history and art of the Semana Santa processions. Interviews with the participants and the people surrounding this fascinating ritual a priest, a penitent, a gypsy, a young girl donning her mantilla, a man who helps carry the heavy platforms, a sculptor, a saeta singer, and more, are juxtaposed with stunning images of baroque processions.
"Beautifully filmed, magnificently researched, and superbly narrated...It should definitely be an integral component in courses on Spanish culture and civilization."
— E. Michael Gerli, Professor of Spanish, Georgetown University
"An accurate representation of an ancient tradition. Full of power and beauty."
— Rafael Mazarrasa, President, Spain '92 Foundation
"An enlightening and visually satisfying exploration...of interest on several levels: as art and cultural history, folklore, and religion. Recommended for most collections."
— Video Librarian