The first of the Easter processions in Felanitx was held last night, the Processó del Silenci (Procesión del Silencio, Silent Procession). In Spain, tradition has it that one of the processions during Setmana Santa (Easter week) is held in complete silence and solemnity, with the quietness only broken by a deep and throbbing drumbeat. To the uninitiated, the visual effect combined with the soundlessness and the pulsating drumbeat may give the impression of eeriness, especially as it all happens at night with the streets only dimly lit. On the other hand, one could call the procession solemn and peaceful, dignified and awe-inspiring. Beauty, as always, is in the eye of the beholder.

There are more parades to be held in Felanitx, later on during the week. The Processó de la Sang tomorrow evening, a procession where long church candles are held by all participants, is probably the best attended of all Felanitx processions.

The photo was taken in Felanitx, Mallorca, Baleares, Spain. The date: March 30th, 2010. The time was 21:19:22