Mijas experienced Palm Sunday with faith and joy. Thus began Holy Week, featuring the image of ‘La Pollinica’: the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Although strong gusts of wind prevented the traditional procession of the throne through the village this year, the people of Mijas enjoyed a family day. Celebrations were also held in Las Lagunas, La Cala and Calahonda, with the blessing of palms held at all three locations. 

 

In the village, the celebration began at the Virgen de la Peña chapel with the blessing of the palms. The parish priest of Mijas Pueblo, Hermán Marcel Lunar, officiated the religious act. “We organised this Palm Sunday with great affection and responsibility; we were eager to experience it”, expressed the priest.

Alongside the religious community and residents, there was an extensive representation from the municipal corporation, led by the mayoress, Ana Mata (PP).

Following the blessing of the palms, those present made their way towards the parish church of La Inmaculada, singing, praying and celebrating with joy.

Once inside the church, a Holy Mass was officiated. The throne of La Pollinica was positioned inside, which this year included the recovered image of the Samaritan woman, which had not appeared in the procession for several years. The miniature throne was also prepared which, as is traditional, is always carried by children.     

For safety reasons, the procession ultimately did not take place. However, the Mijas Music Band did perform inside the temple and the bearers lifted the thrones. As is now traditional, the throne bearers were members of CD Mijas.

Reactions

“It has been a very beautiful celebration because the procession had to be held in a more intimate manner inside the church; with the soul of Mijas, we are starting this great week for Christians together”, noted Mata.

 

“Palm Sunday is always a little more special because the children come, they carry the throne, and the Eucharist is also made more engaging for them; it is a very lovely day”, added the Popular Party councillor Mari Francis Alarcón.

“I would like to thank the Brotherhood of El Nazareno, CD Mijas, who carry the Pollinica, and all Christians for their work, and wish them a good Holy Week”, said Vox spokesperson, Juan Carlos Cuevas Dawson, who also referred to the “excitement and joy” with which Christians experience these days. For his part, PMP spokesperson Juan Carlos Maldonado also said: “We begin Holy Week with great devotion and expectation, and although the weather has not been on our side, we do have that human warmth that the people of Mijas always provide, today with the children as protagonists and the Town Hall offering its support, as it must be”.

PSOE councillor Josele González also had words of praise and gratitude for those working “collectively” on this Palm Sunday, which “marks the start of Holy Week in Mijas. The truth is that it is a tremendous joy to arrive in the village and see it full of people, and I am convinced that it is going to be a success,  in terms of tourism, culture, tradition and, of course, religion”.

 

“‘La Pollinica’ is always a very moving and endearing procession, so I thank everyone who contributes their bit for days like today and for the days that await us,” said the spokesperson for Ciudadanos Mijas, José Carlos Martín.  

 

Finally, on behalf of the organising brotherhood, the Archconfraternity of Jesús Nazareno, Alberto Moreno explained that “we were responsible for the preparation of the throne and the assembly of the image, and we did not go out because safety is the most important thing”. “All things considered, it has been a lovely experience and I hope to repeat it next year”, summarised the bearer Miguel Padilla.

Joy and devotion in Las Lagunas

The parish of San Manuel González was filled with joy during a well-attended event, with the children from the catechism classes taking centre stage. The parish priest, Manuel Jiménez, blessed the olive branches and celebrated Mass, marking the start of Holy Week in Las Lagunas. “It is a day full of joy, with many worshippers looking forward to the big week, Passion Week”, noted the elder brother of the Brotherhood of Jesús Vivo, Bosco Rivas. 

 

Sentiment and tradition in the seaside village

As is traditional, the morning began in the Plaza del Torreón, where the parish priest Fernando Luque blessed the palms.  Back at the Parish of Santa Teresa, a very well-attended Holy Mass was celebrated. “There are so many people and I am very happy to celebrate and experience the same faith with this beautiful community of La Cala and Calahonda”, said the parish priest, who was experiencing his first Palm Sunday here.

 

United by a shared faith

The church of San Miguel hosted a Holy Mass celebrated in Spanish and English, catering to the large foreign residing in the area. Outside, the blessing of the palms took place.

 

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