Silence in Orihuela

Last night’s parade in Orhihuela was very different to the ones which had preceded it and very different to the one scheduled for tonight.

Last night it was the turn of the 500 members of the Hermandad del Silencio to parade with their heavy crosses and lights. In their brown habits with hoods covering their heads, they represent the mourning of Christ's death. Some walk in sandals, others are bare footed. This is a solemn parade, they don’t hand out sweets, there is no music except for the sound of the drums. It is said that time stops in the city for this parade and that you can hear the silence. Of all the processions, this one and the one at dawn with the Hermandad de la Buena Muerte are probably the most moving to watch.