Constanza Sánchez
This Good Friday, the hope of thousands of faithful to enjoy the traditional processions in Madrid and Alcalá de Henares has been overshadowed by the inclement weather.
The processions of Christ of the Halberdiers, the Virgin of the Seven Sorrows, the Divine Captive, the Holy Burial, and Jesus of Medinaceli in the capital, as well as the Crowned Solitude in Alcalá, were scheduled for this afternoon, but the bad weather has significantly complicated the celebrations.
At seven in the evening, Our Father Jesus The Divine Captive began his journey from the Almudena Cathedral. Although the sky was clear at that moment, just 20 minutes later, the rain started pouring down, forcing them to make the difficult decision to return to the temple.
The procession of Jesus «The Poor» restores faith and tradition to the streets of Madrid this Holy Thursday
Simultaneously, the Virgin of the Seven Sorrows also set out promptly at seven from the Santa Cruz Parish. However, what promised to be an emotional procession quickly turned into a race against time.
With quick steps and under the threat of water, they managed to take refuge in the Convent of the Carboneras at half past seven. The historic and solemn image they carried got soaked, and although initially the idea of spending the night there was considered, it was ultimately decided to return to their temple.
Jesus «The Poor» enters the Almudena Cathedral for the first time in history
In Alcalá de Henares, the situation was no different. The Crowned Solitude set out with the same devout spirit, but always keeping an eye on the sky. Around eight o’clock, when the first drops turned into a heavy downpour, they had to retreat. Unlike their counterparts in Madrid, this float did have a protective plastic cover to shield itself from the inclement weather.
Good Friday has proven to be a challenging day for both the planned religious events and the challenges presented by the weather to all participants and attendees. Despite the discouragement caused by the rain, faith and devotion have continued to be the protagonists on this significant day for many.
