Basilica de la Macarena Interior

I first walked into the Basilica de la Macarena in Seville Spain early one morning when a mass was being celebrated. All the interior lights were... more

by Joan Carroll

Title

Basilica de la Macarena Interior

Artist

Joan Carroll

Medium

Photograph - Digital Art

Description

I first walked into the Basilica de la Macarena in Seville Spain early one morning when a mass was being celebrated. All the interior lights were lit, showcasing the elaborate golden interior. I came back later for some photos, but I was glad to have seen the church in its golden glory. Despite the ancient look to the ornate interior, the church was built only in 1949. It was built to house the statue seen on the altar, the most revered image in Seville, "The Virgin of Hope" (Nuestra Senora de la Esperanza) which locals call La Macarena. The image of the Virgin stands above the main altar amid waterfalls of gold and silver. The statue itself is older than the cathedral, dating from the late 17th century. Seated in a place of honor in the basilica, the beautiful Madonna statue is dressed in magnificent robes and jewels. Five teardrops run permanently down her elegant cheeks. Each year on Good Friday, the holiest day of Semana Santa, the fraternity dedicated to La Macarena appears in procession, leading her image through the city streets in mourning for the death of her son. La Macarena is the patron saint of matadors. The Seville-born matador Joselito spent a large portion of his fortune to buy four emeralds for her statue. When he died in the ring in 1920, the Macarena dressed as a widow for a month. The origin of the name Macarena is disputed. Whereas some authors think that it is derived from Arabic, others maintain that it is from Latin. Regardless of the etymology, this is in origin, the reason for the name of Los del Rio's hit Spanish-language song Macarena. I know you are singing it now....

FEATURED PHOTO, Spanish Theme Artwork Group, 4/17/15

FEATURED PHOTO, Artist News group, 2/2/15

FEATURED PHOTO, A B F A Platinum group, 1/30/15

Uploaded

January 27th, 2015