Easter has arrived! Chocolate eggs, bunnies and yellow chicks surround us all here in the UK. Meanwhile, our very own Victoria Martínez has put together some beautiful photos of her hometown, Moratalla during the Easter festivities.

1. Moratalla in Murcia, Spain

Surrounded by mountains and known for its breathtaking landscapes, this is Moratalla (see above). It is located in the Southwest region of Spain: Murcia.

Moratalla has always been known for its great festivities and one of the most important ones takes place during Easter, Semana Santa (Holy Week).

2. El Tambor

Why is this drum so symbolic during Easter? Because during Jueves Santo (Holy Thursday), Viernes Santo (Holy Friday/Good Friday) and Domingo de Resurrección (Resurrection Sunday) it is tradition to play the drum. This is usually classed as a pagan tradition that should cease before the religious parades begin. The drum is made from two types of skins; one of sheep and the other of goat joined by screws and cords. It is completely handmade.

3. Los Nazarenos

These are known as Nazarenos, named this way because of "Nazareth", the place where Jesus Christ was born. Each one chooses the colours they would like on their costumes, this is a way to reflect their personalities. Everyone also has a unique way of playing the drum.

*Fun Fact: The Nazarenos cover their heads in order to hide any facial expressions that show the effort they are putting in whilst playing the drums.

4. La Farola

This is the most famous street in my town called, La Farola. This is how colourful it looks during Semana Santa!

5. A Mystery Nazareno...

Guess who this little Nazareno is?

6. A young Victoria!

It's me aged 4! My first drum wasn't a real one unfortunately, it was made of plastic! Of course it was only to practise on until I got my real one.

7. Tortas de Bacalao

This is the most typical dish during Easter.And this is the most typical dish in Semana Santa. It looks familiar..., doesn't it? It will be more when you know that its main ingredient is cod... Like the English fish and chips! They are called "Tortas de bacalao" and they are salty fritters which contain small pieces of cod that are shaped this small, giving them the Spanish touch to become our famous tapas. ¡Que aproveche!

8. Join us one day!

If you would ever like to live through this festivity in person then I invite you all to witness this amazing celebration. I’ll be waiting!

¡FELIZ SEMANA SANTA!

- Victoria

Useful Easter Vocabulary

Happy Easter… Feliz Semana Santa

Easter…Semana Santa

Lent… La Cuaresma

Good Friday… Viernes Santo

Street Processions… Procesiones

Palm Sunday… Domingo de Ramos (Ramos also means ‘bouquets’ or ‘branches’)

Special Easter Song… Una Saeta

Drum… Tambor

Cod… Bacalao

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