As recently as four days ago, the celebrations were not to be questioned. Saturday morning, Holy Week in Seville, from April 5 to 12, one of the most popular religious festivities in Spain, was canceled. A decision made a few hours before the government announces the quarantine of the country from Monday.
»READ ALSO - Fontainebleau, Eiffel Tower, Versailles ... Update on the closings of museums and monuments
"The decisions taken by the Spanish government and the Junta of Andalusia (the institution of the autonomous community of Andalusia, Editor's note) have been analyzed," said a press release on the Holy Week website. Spain has 136 dead. 15 more than Friday. In all, there are more than 5,753 cases of contamination recorded across the country. A state of alert declared Friday by Pedro Sanchez must allow full use of "economic, health, civil and military means" , according to the head of government.
Multiplication of cases
"Public health and the general interest are at stake" , add in a single voice in the press release the three authorities organizing Holy Week: Juan Espadas, mayor of Seville, Archbishop Juan José Asenjo and the president of the Council of Brotherhoods Francisco Vélez. The Andalusian event attracts around 60,000 worshipers and tourists each year. Especially French, who cross the border to admire the sixty brotherhoods retracing the Passion and the death of Jesus to the rhythm of Saeta, flamenco song.
Since the beginning of last week, cases have multiplied at an exponential speed in the Iberian Peninsula. After the confinement of certain cities in Catalonia and the closure of schools in three regions, the pace accelerated. All Spaniards will have to stay at home from next week.