Semana Santa, or Holy week in Spain is not only an expression of religious faith, it is also an expression of the passion and lust for life that this nation encompasses in all aspects of it's culture.

From the varied and iconic costumes, the driving music and the infectious aromas of incense, Holy Week represents Spain at its best. The fiesta embraces all ages, sexes and capabilities. It embraces all the senses and all rhythms of a country still in tune with its history, and it embraces something global as well as local in its participatory and collaborative efforts.

It embraces the music and song, flare and feats of strength, it embraces uniformity and individuality and it embraces tradition as well as a contemporary stance.

Follow the Gazpachomonk as he in turns follows the procession at the start of Semana Santa in the deep south of Spain, listen to the bands and the people as this week of celebration begins. And visit the web site to see a collection of images too... insidethetortilla.com