Corpus Christi solemnity in Toledo, Spain, Religious festivity in Toledo, Spain
The Corpus Christi solemnity in Toledo is a religious procession held in the medieval old city of Toledo, Spain, during which a golden monstrance is carried through the streets. The route runs through narrow lanes decorated with flowers and takes several hours to complete.
Pope Urban IV officially established this feast in 1264, and Toledo quickly became one of the most important places to observe it in Spain. The city has kept this tradition going without interruption ever since.
Residents of the old city hang antique tapestries and cloths from their windows to line the procession route. Walking through the streets, visitors notice flower arrangements on the ground and lanterns on facades, placed by the same families for generations.
The procession starts at noon from Toledo Cathedral and follows set routes through the old city. Arriving early is advisable, as the streets along the route fill up quickly and space becomes limited.
The procession is led by large figures representing different continents, towering above the participants in their ceremonial attire. Behind them follow craft guilds and religious brotherhoods in traditional garments, giving the event a quality that sits between a religious rite and a street pageant.
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