Richard Irwin - Photoblog
Malaga (1 of 4)
Posted by Richard Irwin (Belper, United Kingdom) on 25 November 2008 in People & Portrait.
Penitentes at the Holy Week festival, Easter, Malaga, Spain
image scan from 4X3 print
Peety from Amersfoort, Netherlands
The color contrast is great with the red and the gold.
25 Nov 2008 5:16am
Observing from West Cheshire, United Kingdom
A fascinating image, I have never seen this festival before, it's almost like a sect in appearance.
25 Nov 2008 5:34am
Anthony Lambert from Bielefeld, Germany
This looks a little strange to me !! Great capture though !!
25 Nov 2008 9:30am
MaryB from Staffordshire, United Kingdom
I've not heard of this before, must look it up. A fantastic shot Richard.
25 Nov 2008 12:09pm
@MaryB: Thanks. Look up 'Holy week in Malaga'. Its celebrated there with a more lively event than other Spanish towns/cities, although there are many hundreds of 'penitants' wearing the robes (nazareno) and the pointy hats (Capirote). I saw peple in the town of Ronda dragging huge chains up through the streets, but in Malaga there was flamenco and cheering.
Cheryl from Texas, United States
spooky a bit! i love the color and the beautiful architecture in the back
25 Nov 2008 1:34pm
Evelyne Dubos from Le Mans, France
Strange & enigmatic figures, almost frightening with their hoods...
25 Nov 2008 2:31pm
@Evelyne Dubos: It is strange to arrive in the city during the holy week celebrations, but there was never anything to fear, as the event is a lively but peaceful affair.
Alphons from Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands
Very peculiar rite. Well captured in beautiful colours, the red and gold.
25 Nov 2008 3:18pm
Lorraine from Gatineau, Canada
Phenomenal Richard, really outstanding, how did you get away with it? lol
25 Nov 2008 3:28pm
@Rags: These are the penitentes, formed into brotherhoods. They carry huge floats carrying religious figurines and other religious displays. One is so large it requires 250 people to carry it, and weighs over 5000 kilos.
Gary from Cochise County, United States
This is a very strong image and leaves you with all kinds of questions. Well done.
25 Nov 2008 9:53pm
JJ from Jersey City, United States
Very dramtic capture, I hadnt heard of this festival before but after using my good friend google found out about it, thanks for the great shot, and intriguing me to learn something new
26 Nov 2008 2:19am
