One of the most unique and moving events of Andalusian Holy Week—and one of the many wonders that make Marchena’s Easter Week so special—is the theatrical representation of Christ’s Passion, from His arrest by the Roman soldiers to His ascent to Mount Calvary bearing the cross. This is performed using the three processional floats of Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno (Our Father Jesus the Nazarene), María Santísima de las Lágrimas (Most Holy Mary of the Tears), and San Juan Evangelista (Saint John the Evangelist).
This dramatization is known as El Mandato (“The Mandate”), and it has been performed since the 18th century on the morning of Good Friday. Taking part is the Roman Centuria of Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno and Nuestra Señora del Carmen of Marchena–Paradas, which features a rare and remarkable detail: mounted Roman cavalry—something that hasn’t been seen outside Marchena since the 19th century. The scene also includes Veronica wiping the face of Jesus and the proclamation of the angel.
The procession of Jesús Nazareno begins at 6 a.m. from the parish of San Miguel Arcángel, proceeding in silence until it reaches the Roman guard, where Jesus is arrested in what is known as el prendimiento (the arrest). The floats then head to Plaza Ducal, where El Mandato begins at 10 a.m. From a balcony of the historic old town hall of Marchena, the priest of San Miguel parish narrates the Passion of Christ: His trial before Pilate, the three falls, His encounter with His mother Mary accompanied by Saint John, Veronica wiping His face, and more.
Once El Mandato concludes, the formal procession through the town begins. Barefoot penitents with chains, others carrying crosses, and individuals bearing symbolic objects accompany the floats—alongside one of Marchena’s unique elements: the lienzos, or painted banners. The procession concludes around 2 p.m.
In addition to the Roman Centuria accompanying the Lord, this year San Juan Evangelista was accompanied by the Carlos III Musical Group from La Carlota (Córdoba), and María Santísima de las Lágrimas was accompanied by the AMUECI Musical Association from Écija (Seville).
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