Easter - Semana Santa Glossary

Members of the Cofradías carrying the floats through the streets.
Members of the Cofradías carrying the floats through the streets.

Capa – The cape worn in Holy Week processions..

Capirote – the cone-shaped head dress worn in Holy Week processions.

Capuz – the part of the head dress that covers the face of those participating in Holy Week processions.

Cofradías – Catholic groups dedicated to religious training, worship and charity that focus on penitence and show their penitence publicly during Semana Santa processions as they carry floats through the streets.

Costaleros – members of “Cofradías” who carry the floats through the streets.

Faja – a type of belt that float bearers wear in order to protect their backs as they carry the heavy Holy Week floats through the streets.

Imagen - life size representations of Jesús and Mary that are paraded through the streets.

Pasos – The actual processions that parade through the streets of towns and cities throughout the country.

Penitente – also called a “Nazareno”. These participants are traditionally supposed to be doing public penance.

Pregón – speeches given throughout Holy Week and also at different points during the year.

Pregonero – a person who delivers a “pregón” speech.

Procesión – the parades of “pasos” (see definitions) that make their way through the streets in Holy Week.

Saeta – soulful, throaty, passionate songs sung acapella in the streets during Holy Week.

Túnica – the robe that Nazarenos wear under their capes.

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