Lorca announces an opportunity to kiss the hands of one of its most emblematic religious sculptures
The Virgen de la Amargura is the figurehead of the Paso Blanco in the Semana Santa processions of Lorca
The historical and religious heritage of the city of Lorca goes back hundreds of years, but one of the most revered religious sculptures, that of the Virgen de la Amargura, is only now celebrating the 75th anniversary of her delivery to the Paso Blanco brotherhood, who parade her in their processions during the internationally famous annual Semana Santa processions in the city.
Prior to the Spanish Civil War (1936-39) the figure adored by the members of the Paso Blanco paid homage to a sculpted figure by Francisco Salzillo, dated 1752, but this was lost or more likely destroyed during the conflict and it was not until 15th April 1949 that a “new” figure was delivered by José Sánchez Lozano. This was a period when all over Spain efforts were being made to replace the iconic works of religious art which had been either plundered or wantonly destroyed during the war, and for the last 75 years the Lorquinos – or around half of them, anyway, as there is a strong division of loyalties in Lorca between the Paso Blanco and the Paso Azul – have accepted her as their figurehead.
To mark the anniversary, and coinciding with the Jubilee awarded by the Diocese of Cartagena, the Paso Blanco and the Town Hall have announced that there will be an exceptional opportunity for people to kiss the hands of the statue on September 10, 11 and 12, a unique occasion in the long history of the Paso Blanco. On September 10 and 11 the timetable is from 10.30 to 13.30 and from 17.30 to 20.30, while on the following day only the morning timetable is available as in the evening the Bishop of Cartagena will be holding a special Mass in honour of the Virgin.
Despite being created in the mid-20th century the sculpture itself is in the traditional baroque style, and the Virgin’s hands are roughly at the height of her waist. During the Easter processions it is carried on its throne on the shoulders of 133 bearers.
Image 1: Paso Blanco
Image 2: Ayuntamiento de Lorca
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