During the seven days of processions, the pulse of the city and its rhythm of life are completely changed and things happen that are not usual during the rest of the year. If you like the processions and the special atmosphere that the city exudes during these days, you should be aware of a few details that will allow you to enjoy still more the processional parades. Firstly, it is essential that you do not attempt to enter the city centre by car. There are many streets where parking is not possible due to the brotherhoods’ processions and so the difficulty in parking is greatly increased. If you must use the car use the public car parks that are located in the rambla, north and centre, the street Obispo Orberá, the square Plaza de San Pedro, Hermanos Machado and Plaza López Falcón. You should also remember that the muelle de Levante quay in the port has an area set aside for parking where it is easy to leave your vehicle and where it is also protected by security guards. Once parked, if you intend to watch the processions along the avenue, use the stands. This year, the city council has increased the number of seats and they are totally free of charge. Remember that there are some stands reserved for the brotherhoods. Get to the avenue prior to the procession and choose any of the seats in the public zone. If, on the other hand, you prefer to see the brotherhoods in the other streets along the route- be aware that the place you have chosen from which to see the procession could also have been chosen by many others. Get there early and enjoy all of the streets. If the place you have chosen is very crowded, choose another spot from which to see the procession or make yourself comfortable where you are. Pushing and trying to get to the best place create tension and, even if the situation doesn’t get out of control, it can spoil your enjoyment of the event. Out of respect, do not cross in the middle of a procession. If you must cross, use the space that is always left behind the band that accompanies the procession and the next group of penitents.
In Almeria, it is a common custom to eat sunflower seeds whilst enjoying the processions. Also out of respect for the members of the brotherhood that make up the procession, don’t throw your shells on the floor. There are penitents that take part barefoot. If possible, carry a bag in which to keep your seed shells. If you smoke, make sure that your cigarette buts are put well out after smoking.
Another very local custom is to have a snack in the bars whilst waiting for the processions. Be aware that the streets are crowded and the bars are saturated with customers. Go to the establishment of your choice but don’t be disappointed if it is full. There are many bars near to the city centre in which you can have a drink or snack without having to wait to be served. If you need the toilet, be well-prepared. In case of extreme necessity, the friendliness of the Almerians will allow you access to a toilet but, whenever possible, make use of the toilets when you are in a bar. There is nothing wrong with eating during the processions but, out of respect, it is not recommended to eat whilst the images are passing. As it is often said, “you can smoke whilst praying but you can’t pray whilst smoking”. When an image is passing, don’t eat, enjoy the vivid beauty of the procession and mystery of the floats and canopies with your eyes and your heart. |
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