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The fact of becoming an empalao is due to a promise made to Vera Cruz and Empalaos Brotherhood. This tradition comes from an act of penance. The penitent (called empalao), will made the steps of the cross road on the streets of Valverde de la Vera.
To dress up an empalao is a difficult procedure, and it has to be made with special care in order not to hurt or cause damage.
First of all a white petticoat is put on. The body and both arms are surrounded with cords. A big wood mast is put in horizontal position, to made a cross with the man's body. It is completed with a thorn crown and two crossed swords at the back.
The event are surrounded by mistery and anonymity. Nobody knows the names of empalaos except their families and those who help them to get dressed.
Silence is everywhere while they walks along the different steps in the road: the Castle, the Church or the Square, along the typical streets of Valverde.
It is awesome to see the willingness and determination of empalaos to achieve their purpose. As to contemplate when two empalaos meet: both get on their knees for several minutes to demonstrate respect to each other. And both go on their roads to complete the procession.
When the entire road is completed, the empalao goes back where he was dressed to be inmediately aided by his family and dressers who will rub his body with rosemary alcohol in order to activate the blood throuhg arms and body.
Monfragüe National Park.
The Easter Christian representation at Oliva de la Frontera
