The sound of haunting drums and solemn trumpets fill the old town of Palma. And silent figures in long robes with pointed hoods are slowly walking through the narrow streets. Many of them barefoot on the cold cobblestone, some even wearing iron chains around their ankles. No matter how often I’ve watched them, I am always intrigued by the Easter processions.

Everybody applauds when the costaleros, the hidden carriers, lift the heavy pasos. Richly decorated altar stages depicting scenes from the Passion. And even the youngest walk for hours, proud to wipe off the wax from the long candles to keep them burning. Their faces serious, they give away small candies and prayer cards to the bystanders.

The Palm Sunday procession started early today while the sun was still out. But this is only the beginning of Semana Santa, the Holy Week. The following days some processions will begin only after sunset. The atmosphere even more dramatic. And it will be long past midnight when the last confrarias arrive at their destination.