Easter processions in southern Spain have been canceled due to heavy rain from Storm Nelson, which has also brought strong winds and led to four drownings on the country’s stormy coasts.
In Seville, the major Holy Thursday processions were called off because of the rainstorms, which, despite causing disruption, are a relief for a region enduring a severe drought. Similarly, processions in Huelva and Cádiz, known for their participants in purple, pointed hoods, were also canceled.
The Seville processions are part of a week-long event that draws tens of thousands of visitors, featuring over 70 brotherhoods parading through the city with heavy floats depicting Christ’s passion.
These floats can weigh up to a tonne and the processions can last up to 12 hours, starting from one of more than 100 churches and passing through Seville Cathedral.
Seville’s Holy Thursday processions are halted by rain from Storm Nelson.Visitors who have rented balconies for the event face disappointment as rain is forecast to continue in Seville through Easter Sunday.
Storm Nelson has also caused significant issues along Spain’s coasts. Four people drowned on Thursday, including two in Asturias and two in Tarragona, where a teenager and a man who tried to rescue him both drowned.
In Barcelona, the storm has eroded much of the sand from the city’s beaches, exposing rocks and drains, and smaller beaches along the Maresme have vanished. Historically, sand has been replenished from estuaries, but this approach has become increasingly ineffective due to recurring storms.
Despite the recent rains, which are helping to alleviate Catalonia’s prolonged drought, the region’s reservoirs are only at 16% capacity.
Catalan government spokesperson Patrícia Plaja cautioned against lifting restrictions prematurely, noting that reserves at this level could still indicate a need for continued caution as the summer approaches.