This 2026 has been exceptional for the brotherhood of the Santa Vera Cruz y Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza Coronada (Holy True Cross and Our Lady of Hope Crowned), since due to the works being carried out in the historic centre of the town, and in order not to coincide with the procession of the brotherhood of Dulce Nombre, it had to carry out its route in the opposite direction, setting out towards los cantillos. The passage of the crucified Christ by the ancient Almohad wall of the Puerta de Morón (current Lorenzo Coullaut Valera Museum) left an image that amazed everyone.
In addition to the change of route, the brotherhood unveiled this year a new banner, embroidered by José Librero Fernández, with metalwork by Manuel Casiano Fernández, inspired by the design of the old standard.
The station of penance began at 22:00 with the opening of the doors of the capilla de la Santa Vera Cruz (chapel of the Holy Vera Cruz), on San Francisco Street, where the Cruz de Guía (Processional Cross) was the first to step into the street, bearing its motto «Take up your cross and follow me».
The Señor de la Santa Vera Cruz (Lord of the Holy True Cross) is a crucified Christ from the 16th century attributed to Roque Balduque, carved in cedar wood and hollowed out to reduce its weight. He processes on a float in Baroque-Rocaille style that stands out for its 16th-century «piña» (pineapple) and a small sorrowful Virgin on the front attributed to Pedro de Mena. He was accompanied by the Banda de Cornetas y Tambores María Santísima de la Palma (María Santísima de la Palma Bugle and Drum Band), which performed the march «Requiem» by Bienvenido Puelles at the departure, after the national anthem, precisely on the 40th anniversary of the composition of the march.
Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza Coronada (Our Lady of Hope Crowned), the first Virgin to be crowned in Marchena, in 2004, is a 17th-century carving (circle of Martínez Montañés) distinguished by her serene weeping and her asymmetrical hands, with 5 crystal tears. Her canopy float is renowned for the metallic sound of its 19th-century silver cresting. She was accompanied by the Banda de Música de Albaida del Aljarafe (Albaida del Aljarafe Music Band).
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