The present day Paseo de Almeria is an avenue built in the 18th century which delimits the historic quarter of the city and the first of its large urban areas. It has been called by various names until receiving its current title. It is bordered on the south by the square Plaza de Emilio Pérez, better known as La Plaza Circular or the Circular Square, and on the north by the gate Puerta de Purchena, another square and the main centre of life in the capital. The Carrera Oficial de Almeria, by this being understood the route that all of the brotherhoods have to follow during the Holy Week, is located in this central Almerian avenue. It sets of from the junction of the street General Tamayo with the avenue and ends at the crossroads of the streets Ricardos and Navarro Rodrigo.
The Carrera Oficial is accessed from three different points: La Plaza Circular, General Tamayo by its eastern section, or General Tamayo by its western section. On that corner, where the majestic Theatre Cervantes stands, can be found the palquillo de horas, the box at which the brotherhoods have to ask permission to enter the Carrera Oficial. From this point, and up to the crossroads of Ricardos and Navarro Rodriguez, the avenue is decked with burgundy cloths that hang from the balconies and stands. The stands are public and, unless reserved for the use of the actual brotherhoods, can be accessed free of charge by anyone who wishes to have a seat whilst watching the processions.
Roughly halfway along the route is located the official stand and, just opposite, that of the press. Needless to say, the avenue is the heart of Almeria’s Holy Week throughout the processions. There are three routes that can be taken to leave the Carrera Oficial: by the streets Ricardos and Navarro Rodrigo or by continuing along the avenue until Puerta de Purchena and, from here, following the return path of each brotherhood to its temple, completing the itinerary that each one has previously established and has to rigorously accomplish excepting extreme circumstances, usually meteorological. |
 |
Print
Send to a friend
Holy Week
Official route