Los Empalaos (The Impaled Ones)

They are heard before they are seen. The sounds of chains in the distance, raked across the cobblestones, drew my attention to a corner in the semi-dark street. I had an eerie sensation that I was about to be witness to something that would leave me incredulous. Slowly, a shrouded figure rounded the corner while my sight was drawn to the source of the noise: chains clasped onto bare feet appeared as my gaze followed the coarse robe up to their torso which was wrapped tightly with rope and, on their shoulders, they bore a heavy log where their arms were bound. A thorny crown pressed firmly onto their head. I looked for their eyes but only vaguely made them out, staring back through two holes in the black hood.

Welcome to “Los Empalaos”, a unique and dramatic, silent Easter procession, declared a National Touristic Interest, that snakes its way, at night, through the medieval streets of Jerez de los Caballeros, Spain. It is guaranteed to have an impact on any visitor.