Valencia and its Mediterranean way of life makes a peculiar adaptation of the Holy Week rites. It is solemnly celebrated in the maritime towns where colorful processions parade with biblical characters and brotherhoods of grenadiers dressed in the style of the Napoleonic army.
The Marine Holy Week presents three main events: the Blessing of Palms, the Procession of the Holy Burial and the Resurrection Parade.
The origins of this festivity date back to the 15th century when a group called the "Concordia dels Disciplinats" or concord of those who practice discipline, of which San Vicente Ferrer was prior. This entity carried out acts of penance and charity when Holy Week arrived.
In addition to the Brotherhoods, the so-called Armed Corporations that bring together Praetorians, Longines, Sayones and Grenadiers participate in the Holy Sea Week of Valencia.
One of the most recognized images is the Verónica Pass by Don Mariano Benlliure. The images of each of the Brotherhoods are joined by other living ones: neighbors dressed as Pilate, Herod or the Apostles and neighbors dressed as La Dolorosa, the Holy Women, Salome... who parade to the ringing of bells and accompanied by traditional music.
Another tradition that is repeated every Glory Saturday at midnight is the "trenca dels perols". When the bells announce the Resurrection, the residents of these maritime neighborhoods throw pots of clay from their windows and balconies. Easter Sunday and Monday are holidays that in Valencia have a marked popular and country character. Families and groups of friends go to the old riverbed, converted into a garden, or to the beach, to eat Easter sausages and monas (hornazos with boiled eggs), while they fly kites or "cachirulos" and practice all kinds of of games.
