A SALUTE TO THE “HIDDEN HEROES” OF THE HOLY WEEK IN SEVILLE:
THE “COSTALEROS”.
They are the 30 men or more who carry the very heavy processional float for hours during the procession. This one weighs 1400 kg without the statue, silver vertical bars and other decors of the float and just finished a 5-hour long procession and is on its way to the “garage” for safe-keeping till next year. Truly an enormous sacrifice done out of devotion. Some finish with a hematoma on the back of the neck but happy to have participated . A “costalero” I talked to participated in carrying 3 processional floats during this Holy Week. WATCH AND LISTEN TO THE GRUNTS AFTER THEY LIFT THE FLOAT. Impressive show of devotion and sacrifice! Deo gratias!
A “costalero” resting for a few seconds before lifting the carriage anew.
Clockwise: children talking to their dad in a moment of rest; children wanting to help a bit carry the load; a costalero after the homework is done folding the nape and shoulder protector which cushion the weight of the carriage.
