Los Picaos de San Vicente de la Sonsierra facts for kids
Los Picaos are special religious events in the town of San Vicente de la Sonsierra in La Rioja, Spain. They are a type of penance (a way to show sorrow for sins) in the Christian faith. During Christian processions, members of a group called the Cofradía de la Santa Vera Cruz de San Vicente show their faith by gently tapping their own backs. These people are known as disciplinantes.
On February 17, 2005, the Spanish government recognized Los Picaos as a Fiesta of National Tourist Interest. This means it's a very important event for tourism in Spain. It takes place on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday during Holy Week.
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History of Los Picaos
People believe this tradition started a long time ago, either in the late 1400s or early 1500s. Since then, it has always been connected to the Cofradía de la Santa Vera Cruz in San Vicente de la Sonsierra.
In 1799, there was an attempt to stop this tradition, but it was not successful. The event continued to happen in private.
In 1998, Los Picaos was recognized as a Regional Tourist Interest. Then, in January 2004, the process began to make it a National Tourist Interest, which it achieved in February 2005.
The Cofradía de la Santa Vera Cruz
The Cofradía de la Santa Vera Cruz is a special brotherhood that has organized these events since the very beginning. No one knows the exact date when the brotherhood was founded. However, its rules were officially written down on June 19, 1551. These rules included the traditions that were already happening at that time.
The main office for the brotherhood is located in the Hermitage of San Juan de la Cerca.
Who are the Disciplinantes?
The disciplinantes are volunteers who choose to take part in this act of penance. To become a disciplinante, a person must be an adult man. Also, a priest needs to confirm that they are Christian and have strong faith.
The brotherhood gives each disciplinante a helper, who is also a member of the group. This helper stays with them and supports them during the penance.
The identity of the disciplinantes is kept secret at all times. Most of them are from San Vicente de la Sonsierra or have family connections to the town. However, some people from other places also choose to participate for their own personal reasons.
What the Disciplinantes Wear
The disciplinantes wear special clothing for the event:
- A white tunic that reaches their knees, with an opening at the back.
- A white girdle (a type of belt) around their waist.
- A white hood that covers their head, with small holes for their eyes.
- A brown cape with a white cross on it.
The Act of Penance
During the processions, each disciplinante decides when they want to perform their act of penance. They kneel down and pray, then stand up. Their helper removes their cape to show their back. The disciplinante then uses a cotton mop, holding it with both hands, to gently tap their back. They tap rhythmically over their shoulders, alternating sides of their neck.
The helper and a person called the práctico (who is in charge of helping with any discomfort) decide when the tapping should stop. This usually happens when small marks start to appear on the back. There isn't a set time, but it often lasts between ten and twenty minutes, with up to 1,000 taps.
After the tapping, the práctico uses a special tool called an "esponja." This tool is a ball of beeswax with six small crystals. It is used to make small marks three times on both sides of the lower back. This creates twelve marks in total, which symbolize the twelve apostles. After this, the disciplinante taps their back a few more times. This helps to release any pressure and prevent further issues.
Once the act is complete, the helper covers the disciplinante's back again and puts their cape back on. They then go to the brotherhood's headquarters. There, a specialist práctico helps to soothe any discomfort using rosemary water and a special cream. The recipe for this cream is a secret and has been passed down through generations.
When Los Picaos Take Place
Los Picaos happen on specific dates throughout the year:
- During Holy Week
- Maundy Thursday
- During the procession of the Last Supper, around 7:30 PM.
- During the Holy Hour, around 11:00 PM.
- Good Friday
- After the procession of the Stations of the Cross, around 11:30 AM.
- During the Holy Burial Procession, which starts around 8:30 PM.
- Maundy Thursday
- Cruz de Mayo (May Cross)
- This happens on May 3rd if it's a Sunday. If not, it's held on the following Sunday. The Stations of the Cross begins around 6:00 PM.
- Cruz de Septiembre (September Cross)
- This takes place on September 14th if it's a Sunday. If not, it's held on the following Sunday. It also starts around 6:00 PM.
See also
In Spanish: Los Picaos de San Vicente de la Sonsierra para niños
