Nazareno (Spanish confraternity)

A nazareno (nazarene) is a member of a brotherhood which performs penance rites during Holy Week in Spain (and in some Latin American countries such as Colombia and Guatemala).

The most common term in use is Nazarenes, but in some regions they are known as capuchones (hoodies), or mozorros (lads) or some variation of implying “worthy of punishment” Teams of several dozen lightly clad members will be hidden beneath drapery of the heavy platform (typically 1 – 5 tonnes [1]]) bearing an enthroned and splendid icons that are the centrepiece of most parades (See illustration above).

Although Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Judea, and spent a brief period of childhood in Egypt, he soon settled with his father Joseph and his mother Mary in the small town of Nazareth.

Since the 16th century there were processions of brothers who carried insignia similar to the current fraternity banners, scrolls and Christian religious symbols They dress in a Thawb secured at the waist by rope belt or a simple girdle, on their heads a pointed Capirote cap made of a leather cone covered in cotton or linen that extends to obscure the face and neck to ensure anonymity.

[3] Modern participants tend to become members of Cofradías by family tradition rather than from devout religious conviction, motivated by masculine pride in being chosen, fit and capable of enduring the rigorous ordeal of a prolonged street theater performance.