The Empalaos at Valverde de la Vera
From Maundy Thursday night to Good Friday the Empalaos cover the village of
Valverde de la Vera surrounded by mistery, tradition and devotion in this religious
event.

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.