Cofradía de las Siete Palabras de Jesús en la Cruz, Catholic confraternity in León, Spain
The Cofradía de las Siete Palabras de Jesús en la Cruz is a Catholic confraternity in León that processes during Holy Week in distinctive red ceremonial attire. Members wear red velvet tunics with white and black accents, a black satin cape, and a white pointed hood, while clarinets, tubas, and saxophones provide musical accompaniment throughout the processions.
The confraternity was established in 1962 with 14 founding members and Eduardo de Paz serving as its first Abbot, with headquarters at San Marcelo Parish. Since its creation, it has grown to become an integral part of León's Holy Week observances.
The confraternity takes its name from the seven final words of Jesus on the cross, representing an important form of religious devotion in León. Its processions are deeply woven into the city's Holy Week traditions, drawing both participants and observers.
The confraternity organizes a Via Crucis procession on Holy Wednesday and another on Good Friday, both central events in León's Holy Week calendar. Visitors should expect outdoor processions through the city streets and should check beforehand which routes will be affected by these gatherings.
The confraternity is distinguished by a statutory vow of silence observed during processions, a requirement that sets it apart from other penitential organizations in León. This silent observance creates a distinctive, meditative quality to its public gatherings.
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