Theatre and Holy Week: The Configuration of Spanish Penitential Procession in the 16th Century

In the 16 th century first Spanish penitential brotherhoods were born, normally those of Vera Cruz (True Cross) and later Nazarene. Their main external expression was evening procession on Maundy Thursday or during night to Good Friday, where from very early stage depictions remembrances Passion Christ would appear, particularly way Calvary, along with several secondary characters, such as Jews, Pharisees, Romans, etc. Following ancient use, characters cover their faces a mask face. Little by little, because certain reverential fear, Virgin, eventually replaced inanimate images. However, they continued play role in sacred dramas folk character which performed throughout Peninsula, despite repeated bans ecclesiastical authorities. They formed comprehensive show, global sort performance, an extraordinary visual, aesthetic emotional impact. The present article therefore intends establish relationship between earlier Holy Week processions remains theatre that have survived continuous bans.