Holy Week in Mijas has now been officially announced. Following the unveiling of the poster, last Saturday the Parish Church of the Inmaculada Concepción (Mijas Pueblo) hosted the proclamation marking the arrival of these eagerly awaited days. This year, the task of delivering the address fell to Isabel Sedeño, a founding member of the Cristo de la Columna Parish Group, elder sister of this brotherhood for over six years, and currently the Pilgrimages Officer on its governing board. In her speech, the resident of the Barrio Santana neighbourhood recovered memories of her childhood and highlighted her role in the founding of the brotherhood.

“May the green of hope flood our hearts and may our lives on earth be as happy as eternal life. Long live the Santísimo Cristo de la Columna! Long live the Barrio Santana neighbourhood! Long live Mijas! I have spoken.” With these words, Isabel Sedeño marked the end of her proclamation and the beginning of the run-up to Mijas Holy Week 2026. These are major days for the town, which she announced with great emotion, gratitude and humility. Although she has been involved in the church since childhood, she has never previously taken centre stage. “I’ve always been in the background, and when they proposed this to me, I was moved and delighted on one hand, but on the other, I felt it was a huge responsibility and that I wouldn't be capable of it. In the end, I am so glad I did it", said the proclamation speaker.

 

Isabel’s words were preceded by her 2025 counterpart, María de la Peña Leiva, who introduced Sedeño by saying: “We know that your voice will lead us to contemplation, that your words will be a balm and a call, and that through you, the people of Mijas will once again encounter the mystery that gives meaning to our hope”.

Tributes and musical accompaniment

The ceremony, conducted by another member of the Cristo de la Columna brotherhood, Alonso Javier Roca, featured many emotional moments, such as the tribute to the elder brothers and sisters who have led the brotherhood during its 40-year history. Francisco Núñez, Francisco Roca, Isabel Sedeño herself, José Antonio Santaella and Josefa Quero received this recognition.

The event also featured musical accompaniment from the Villa de Mijas Choir and the Mijas Band, whose well-chosen melodies punctuated Sedeño’s speech.

In recognition of their commitment and dedication, the director and deputy director of the band, Francisco Valcárcel and Salvador Fernández respectively, and the director of the Villa de Mijas Choir, Francesca Fesi, also received awards. Furthermore, the 2025 and 2026 proclaimers, Alonso Javier Roca, and the Parish Priest of Mijas, Hermán Marcel Lunar, were praised. The priest thanked the proclaimer for her gesture: “Isabel, thank you for accepting, thank you for sharing that experience of faith with us, which enriches us all. As you said, we remain committed to passing on this experience of faith to the new generations".

Political reactions

The mayoress of the town, Ana Mata (PP), attended the event along with other members of the municipal corporation. The mayoress, who spoke during the ceremony, praised Sedeño’s proclamation and invited all residents to take an active part in Mijas’ “exceptional” Holy Week. “It is so special, as are its different expressions in the village, Las Lagunas, and La Cala. I hope we all enjoy such a passionate period as the one we are about to begin, and that the message of love represented by the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus resonates throughout society".

 

Other council members in attendance also expressed their gratitude to Isabel Sedeño and invited residents and visitors to experience Holy Week in Mijas. This was expressed by PP councillor Mari Francis Alarcón: “It was very moving because Isabel showed us how she and her family lived Holy Week; there were moments where you felt represented by her words because they are experiences we have all shared.”.

Juan Carlos Cuevas Dawson, Vox’s spokesperson on the council, stated that “the speech was love conveyed through words. It was beautiful, very moving, and transmitted the Christian faith at the same time, which is what it’s all about”.

For his part, PMP spokesperson, Juan Carlos Maldonado, emphasised that “from the Town Hall, we always support and appreciate the devotion and dedication of everyone linked to Holy Week, not just the brotherhoods, but the general public who fill our streets accompanying processions”.

From the opposition, PSOE councillor Josele González added that “behind every brotherhood, there is a group of people who give their time voluntarily to perpetuate our most deeply-rooted traditions. I believe Isabel successfully captured that journey in which all the brotherhoods and fraternities present felt involved.".

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