Brotherhood of Sagunto Continues to Exclude Women from Holy Week Processions
València, March 23 (EFE) – The Brotherhood of the Purísima Sangre of Sagunto, located in Valencia, has once more declined the inclusion of women in their Holy Week processions. This decision follows a recent vote among their 1,700 active members, which may jeopardize Sagunto’s recognition as a Festival of National Tourist Interest.
A Missed Opportunity for Progress
Blanca Ribelles, spokesperson for the Inclusive Holy Week group, expressed disappointment after the results of the weekend vote. She described the rejection as a “great opportunity” lost and noted that the City Council had remained silent on this pressing issue. Since 2022, the Inclusive Holy Week group has actively sought to admit women into the Brotherhood, which has consistently resisted such changes.
Statistic analysis of the recent vote reveals that out of nearly 400 participating brothers, only 114 voted in favor of admitting women, while a majority of 267 voted against it.
The Argument for Tradition
When questioned about this latest development, the Brotherhood has yet to provide its official stance. Various local media outlets have hinted that the Brotherhood leans on “tradition” as a primary reason for excluding women from participation in processions. This reliance on historical practices has garnered criticism in a rapidly evolving sociocultural landscape.
Voices of Dissent
Ribelles articulated her frustrations, noting that society is advancing and that gender equality should encompass all aspects, including religious organizations. She emphasized that remaining locked in the past is unfitting for a modern context, stating, “We are not in the 15th century; women and men are equal at all levels, except in the Brotherhood of the Sangre de Sagunto.”
In 2022, a group of male members had even gathered signatures to advocate for women’s inclusion, labeling the current situation as “unfair.” Their grassroots movements have escalated to weekly gatherings outside the Hermitage, demonstrating a collective yearning for change.
A Deep Historical Connection
Ribelles passionately defended the Brotherhood of the Purísima Sangre, remarking that it symbolizes more than just an organization; it embodies the collective heritage of the community. “It has more than 500 years of history,” she argued. “It is the one that organizes Holy Week and it is the one with which we have grown up.” This sense of belonging, rooted deeply in familial and communal ties, adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing struggle for gender equality.
Local Government’s Concern
As the decision has implications for local tourism, sources from the Sagunto City Council indicated their apprehension about the potential revocation of the National Tourist Interest designation due to the Brotherhood’s non-compliance with modern criteria for citizen participation.
In February, the Ministry of Industry and Tourism announced it would persist with the evaluation of Holy Week’s status, contingent on the decision regarding women’s inclusion. The local government’s tacit acknowledgment of the issue highlights the intersection between tradition and contemporary societal expectations.
Conclusion
The refusal of the Brotherhood of the Purísima Sangre to include women in the Holy Week processions reflects a broader tension between historical practices and modern values. With ongoing advocacy and local government scrutiny, the future of this long-standing tradition is at a crossroads, prompting an urgent call for inclusivity and equality within religious practices. The journey toward change may be slow, but it is a crucial step for the Brotherhood and the community it represents.