Spain’s Semana Santa Tradition Bars Women From Processions
Why this is here: The Sagunt brotherhood’s lengthy waiting list for membership was cited as a reason to deny women entry, suggesting concerns about increasing demand and preserving the existing structure.
In the Spanish city of Sagunt, women are still prohibited from participating in the Easter processions. The local brotherhood, “Purísima Sangre de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo,” recently voted against allowing female participation for a third time. The tradition dates back to the Middle Ages and members believe it should not be changed.
The brotherhood, founded in 1492, has organized the processions for 525 years. Spain’s Secretary of State for Equality, Ana Redondo, is demanding equal rights and argues the brotherhoods are not above the constitution. The Tourism Ministry threatens to revoke Sagunt’s designation as a “Festival of National Tourist Interest.”
Some suggest women form their own association, but activists are frustrated. The Constitutional Court previously ruled the exclusion discriminatory, and the case is now before the European Court of Human Rights. Similar cases are ongoing in other Spanish cities, including Tenerife.