Easter in Zamora (brief version)

Zamora may have the second (to Sevilla) most popular Easter celebration in Spain. We spent 9 nights there, went to 14 processions, missed 2 (before our arrival), and the 2 canceled due to rain. The two of us took so many photos and videos, John could spend the rest of the year processing them. I'm writing this very abbrevated report just so we could move on, with a more detailed report to follow.

Passion Saturday Procession - Zamora, Spain - 09 April 2022

Palm Sunday Procession - Zamora, Spain - 10 April 2022

Holy Tuesday Evening Procession - Zamora, Spain - 12 April 2022

Holy Tuesday Evening Procession - Zamora, Spain - 12 April 2022

The Brothers Kneel and take the Holy Wednesday Oath of Silence - Zamora, Spain - 13 April 2022

More Holy Wednesday.

Holy Thursday Morning Procession - Zamora, Spain - 14 April 2022

Holy Thursday Afternoon Procession - Zamora, Spain - 14 April 2022

Holy Thursday Evening Procession - Zamora, Spain - 14 April 2022

Holy Friday (Good Friday) Morning Procession - Zamora, Spain - 15 April 2022

Holy Friday (Good Friday) Afternoon Procession - Zamora, Spain - 15 April 2022 Holy Friday (Good Friday) Evening Procession - Zamora, Spain - 15 April 2022



Easter Sunday Procession - Zamora, Spain - 17 April 2022

Unwinding in Astorga

After all the Easter excitement in Zamora, we took a blablacar to Astorga, where the French Camino comes through. We were getting on what seems like our Roman Route. In Astorga, a number of the Roman sites are underground and behind locked doors, one has to get on a reserved tour to see them. The tour was well worthwhile, and our young tour guide was very dedicated and enthusiastic.

Astorga must be the smallest town (population 11000) we have been that has a cathedral (incongrously huge), and a bishop's palace designed by Gaudi. We also happened upon its market day on a Tuesday which also seemed big for the population.

The rain during the Ruta Romano Tour did not dampen the enthusiasm of our guide (right).

Inside the Roman Musuem which is the remnants of structural support chambers for the Roman Forum.

Roman Thermal Baths in a very well designed undeground exhibition.

The first Roman structure at Astorga was a military encampment. Here is a fortification ditch, and a more recent opening.

A highlight of the Ruta Romano Tour was walking through a short segment of the Roman sewer located 5 meters below grade.

A Roman Villa with a mosaic floor can be seen under a glass roof.

The Palacio de Gaudí (Bishop's Palace) at right and Cathedral to the left.

And at night from below the city walls it's Palacio de Gaudí (left) and Cathedral (right).

The upper front facade of the Cathedral.

There was a section of city wall that was perfect for an evening stroll (paseo).

Plaza Mayor of Astorga.

Market Day.

There were several large murals around town.

Evidence that you are near or on the Camino.

Avila City Walls

Avila is yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site waiting to be checked off.  It's the largest remaining walled city in Europe, preserved from medieval times. We walked to the 4-Posts viewpoint, and we walked on top of the walls, always a favorite of mine; to my suprise, walking around the outside of the walls at night was even better.

We were in town on Friday of Pain. There was a procession, bonus!

The view from behind the driver on our train from Madrid to Avila, Spain.

Aliva's Plaza Mayor is decked out for the upcoming Easter Week (Semana Santa).

A short walk across the river to the "4-Posts" with a view back to Avila and its 2.5 kms of city walls. Wow!

The walls with their 88 towers and 9 gates are very striking and photo-worthy at night.

Of course it's also pretty neat to walk on top of the walls with views down below like this one to Iglesia San Vicente.

And over to the Cathedral which is embedded in the wall.

Along the towers.

Sun-Ling is soooo happy walking on the walls.

View over the far wall to snow-dusted peaks in the distance.

More of the 88 towers.

View Across Plaza de Santa Teresa to Iglesia de San Pedro.

The Paseo " evening stroll” along the walls.

The Semana Santa (Holy Week) procession for Friday of Pain (a week before Good Friday). A paso (platform) with images of Mary and Jesus is carried around town - there are men underneath the paso's skirt. Also in the procession is a brass band, and hooded or cloaked men and women of the confradia (association) who inact/sponsor the event. The paso is carried through Plaza Mayor.

The tears of Maria.

Stay tuned for more of Holy Week as we head to Zamora for 9 days of processions.