Traditions of Malaga

 

What a beautiful experience! I was asked to be the muse, inspiration and represent the tradition of the Mantilla this year. Organized by la Coracha, the association pro Malaga traditions.

A Mantilla is a traditional Spanish lace or silk veil or shawl worn over the head and shoulders. Often over a high comb called a peineta, popular with women in Spain

Semana Santa in Malaga

In Spain, women still wear mantillas during Semana Santa (Holy Week, the week leading to Easter), bullfights and weddings. Also a black mantilla is traditionally worn when a woman has an audience with the Pope and a white mantilla is appropriate for a church wedding. But can be worn at other ceremony occasions as well. In accordance with what is known as the « privilège du blanc » only the queen of Spain and selected other Catholic wives of Catholic sovereigns can wear a white mantilla during an audience with the Pope.

Francisco Naranjo a famous local painter, also known for painting the poster for the holly week, was asked to make this years’ painting of me dressed with the mantilla based from a few photos he took. After only a few weeks of work we had a ceremony at the town hall in a rom called « el salon de los espejos » with quite a few guests including members of the administration, the mayor Don Francisco De la Torre and a lot of press. It was a beautiful event to present the painting with local flamenco singers and sponsors, and kind words of gratitude were spoken by some of the most prominent guests.

I am very honored to have been chosen to represent one of the many beautiful traditions of Malaga thru this painting and naming. I am the more proud as it forms part of the heritage of Antonio who taught me to love all about it.

Nicole.