Women carrying pasos in Seville–whatever next?

In this area we are used to seeing women take part in the Easter parades but in Seville things are very different. There, “brotherhood” has meant just that – men only.

However, Archbishop Juan José Asenjo published a decree on Wednesday stating that there be "equal rights" among the brotherhoods, "with no discrimination on the basis of sex, including participation in the processions".

This will come into effect on March 2nd meaning that the Andalusian capital may now have women nazarenos, the penitents that accompany the pasos  wearing pointed hats. Women will also be able to carry the heavy pasos on their shoulders.

Three of the city’s cofradias; El Silencio, La Quinta Angustia and El Santo Entierro have refused to consider such a move.They have said they may appeal the decree and are considering taking a complaint all the way to Rome.

I hope the women know just what they have let themselves in for, they can expect to  carry the pasos for many hours under cramped sweaty conditions during  the parades.