How Spain is marking Semana Santa in the time of Covid-19

Afflicted by coronavirus, the country is finding alternative ways to celebrate Easter.

A church employee attends the the Holy Friday mass celebrated behind closed doors but broadcasted on social networks, at San Nicolas de Bari Church in Madrid on April 10, 2020, as Holy Week processions were canceled during a national lockdown to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 disease. - In the week leading up to Easter Sunday, hundreds of colourful processions featuring penitents in cone-shaped hoods and centuries-old religious floats traditionally flood the streets of villages and cities across Spain, but with a nationwide lockdown in place to curb the spread of the coronavirus, Spaniards this year are finding ways to mark Holy Week from their homes. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO / AFP) (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP via Getty Images)

“The dress needs to be black, with a box neck; you must never show your shoulders,” explains Ana Villa, describing the strict protocol she follows when dressing for Easter. “If you are kneeling at a prayer bench, the skirt has to be long enough to cover your knees.”

At this time of year, in her home town of Malaga, women such as Ana walk for hours behind enormous, elaborate statues of Christ and the Virgin Mary carried slowly through the city’s streets. Dressed all in black and wearing veils made of delicate lace called mantillas, these austere yet strikingly elegant figures mourn the death of Jesus.