3 April XXXIII

He bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and he in the midst.

Years of the Lord MMXV-MMXIX, a few days before Easter.

Ten o'clock in the evening. A noise in the distance, like the heavy beating of a tympanum. The streets get crowded with people. In Sevilla, Andalusia, two figures dressed in white with a long, pointed headpiece emerge from a side alley. In Valverde de la Vera, Extremadura, los Empalaos perform their tribute to the Crucified Christ, while in San Vincente de la Sonsierra, la Rioja, los Picaos follow the Sorrowful Virgin flogging their back. From a thurible, the scent of incense impregnates the air of the Spanish streets with sacredness.

Golgotha is a journey through the celebrations of the Holy Week in Spain. A geographical journey, from Rioja to Andalusia, from Extremadura to Aragon, and a journey back in time. A journey at the crossroad between ancient traditions, worship and folklore, religion and paganism. A journey following the steps of the Christ of the Passion.

Ascending the Golgotha.