The Hooded Nazarenes of Spain
In advance of Holy Week, which starts on Palm Sunday (April 2, 2023), this is a quick riff on Nazarenes (Nazarenos), the hooded penitents that are sometimes mistaken for members of the Ku Klux Klan.
Terracotta Nazarene figurines in a variety of robes and hoods (and varying degrees of realism - what’s up with the purple guy without a neck?); The House of Good Fortune Collection.
Spanish Nazarenes, also known as penitentes, are participants in the annual Holy Week processions that are a significant part of the religious and cultural traditions of many Spanish communities in the days leading up to Easter. The Nazarenos wear distinctive robes and pointy hoods (capirotes) that cover their faces, leaving only their eyes visible. The robes and hoods are typically black or white, although they can also be purple, green, or other colors, depending on the local traditions of the region.
The origin of the Nazarene tradition in Spain is rooted in the medieval religious practices of self-mortification and penance. The participants in these processions often carry wooden crosses, rosaries, candles and other religious symbols, and some even walk barefoot as a sign of their devotion and penance. In the modern context, the Nazarenos are typically members of religious brotherhoods or fraternities that organize the Holy Week processions in their local communities.
The robes worn by the Nazarenos are usually made of rough, dark-colored materials such as burlap or wool. The cone-shaped hoods have eyeholes that enable the penitents to see where they are going, but obscure their faces from onlookers. The overall effect is one of solemnity and anonymity, emphasizing the penitential nature of the procession and the humility of the participants.
While Nazarenos are a distinctly Spanish phenomenon, similar traditions can be found in other predominantly Catholic countries, such as Portugal and Italy.
Is there a connection or common origin between these hooded Nazarenes and the Ku Klux Klan?
As far as The House can tell, there is no connection between the hoods worn by the Nazarenos and the hoods worn by members of the Ku Klux Klan, except that on a superficial level both are meant to conceal one’s identity. But of course, misperceptions can occur and intent can be misconstrued when cultures come into contact without a thorough understanding of each other’s traditions.
Some tourists who are not fully familiar with Spanish customs perceive the hooded figurines sold around the Easter holiday as KKK-related memorabilia. This common misperception has caused shopkeepers in Spain to post signs clarifying the meaning of the figures in an effort to avoid misunderstandings and uncomfortable questions.
Nazarene figures in a variety of colored robes and hoods, The House of Good Fortune Collection.
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The House has collected a small group of Nazarene figures over the years. These terracotta figurines — sometimes referred to as “Mud People” — are popular souvenirs from Spain. They depict a wide variety of characters and professions, such as futbol players, matadors, Santa Claus, priests, musicians and flamenco dancers, but some of the most popular are the Nazarenos (and the Caganer).
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Below are some beautiful photos from a book called “Lugares de Evocação,” (Places of Evocation) published by the Museu da Imagem in Brazil. The book features the work of four photographers — Christian Bellavia; Pedro Negreiros; Fernanda Carvalho; and Ricard Terre — who documented Holy Week activities in Spain and Portugal in the 1990s.
Lugares de Evocação, Museu da Imagem
Fernanda Carvalho, Semana Santa, Sevilha, 1996
Christian Bellavia, Saugues, 1995
Fernanda Carvalho, Semana Santa, Sevilha, 1996
Ricard Terre, Braga, 1991
Nazareno figurine, Spain, The House of Good Fortune Collection.