Holy week in Malaga
In cities all over Spain, penitents in traditional robes take part in processions to mark Holy Week – the last seven days before Easter. Particularly elaborate celebrations take place in Malaga, on the country's south coast, where this group of penitents in tall, white hoods light long candles. The outfits they wear bear an unfortunate resemblance to those of the Ku Klux Klan, but have no connection to that organisation whatsoever, and have been a tradition in Spain for centuries.
A penitent belonging to the “Humildad” brotherhood is reflected in a puddle. Various religious brotherhoods wearing traditional hoods and robes take part in processions through the city's streets for the duration of Holy Week.
A man helping to organise the event speaks with a penitent from the "Pollinica" brotherhood.
Two members of the "Humildad" brotherhood take part in a procession on Palm Sunday - the first day of Holy Week.
A girl holds up a younger boy during a procession.
Three tourists watch the proceedings with their heads covered by plastic bags to protect themselves from the rain.
Penitents carry a float bearing a statue of the Virgin Mary. Elaborately decorated floats like this, adorned with religious figures, form an important part of Holy Week celebrations.
Members of a band gather inside a church away from the rain during a Palm Sunday procession.
Spanish actor and director Antonio Banderas (second right) sings at church while taking part in the "Lagrimas y Favores" brotherhood's procession.
A man climbs up on an ornate religious float just before Holy Week in the Santa Maria la Mayor Cathedral in Ronda, not far from Malaga.
Members of a brotherhood with the long name of "Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno y Nuestra Senora de los Dolores" (Our father Jesus of Nazareth and Our Lady of Sorrows) put a bolt in the figure of a baby angel as they prepare to attach it to a float before Holy Week.
Penitents leave a church as they take part in a Palm Sunday procession.
A penitent weeps as she is comforted by others while sheltering from the rain.
