Noelia Arroyo: “At last there are processions in Cartagena again”

Brotherhood representatives, together with the mayor, before dozens of people this Wednesday in Cartagena during the Call of the processions. / Jose Maria Rodriguez

Easter in Cartagena

The mayor predicts, together with the older brothers, that “this is going to be the most exciting Holy Week” due to the two-year break. The municipal check is 220,000 euros, 10% more than in 2020

“We discount the days to listen to the first drum roll, to sing the first Salve and to immerse ourselves again in the incense of the church and in the flower and light of the thrones. At last there are processions again!”, exclaimed this Wednesday the mayor of Cartagena, Noelia Arroyo, before the dozens of people who came to the Plaza del Ayuntamiento to witness the Call, despite the prevailing cold breeze. Accompanied by the older brothers of the four brotherhoods, Arroyo encouraged the neighbors to participate in the acts that will begin with the Socorro procession at dawn on April 8, Friday of Sorrows, after two years of drought due to the pandemic. “If Easter represents our encounter with emotion, this is going to be the most exciting of our lives,” she predicted. And she proclaimed, between applause: «Music and the street!».

The day began in the middle of the afternoon, with the councils of the brotherhoods at their headquarters. Starting at eight o’clock, the rockets sounded symbolizing their decision that this year there will be parades. These will be held for ten days, following the recommendations of the Bishopric to avoid coronavirus infections. The most important measure will be the mandatory use of a mask by portapasos, Nazarenes, capirotes and the rest of the participants in the parades. The exception will be children under 6 years of age.

The day was especially emotional for Marién García Boj, recently elected older sister of the Risen One. She shared her first Call at half past eight with the president of the Board of Brotherhoods, the Californian Juan Carlos de la Cerra, with the shortfin mako Francisco Pagán and with Manuel Martínez Guillén, from Socorro. The four received a municipal check for 220,000 euros from Arroyo, 10% more than in 2020. In 2021 the allocation was 100,000 euros, as aid for the operation of the brotherhoods.

The protest of the municipal unions, which two years ago blew up the act, was not repeated this time. And this, despite the fact that the labor conflict that motivated it, the suspension of the salary increase to 1,300 officials by the Consistory, continues.

I remember the Ukrainians

Amid applause from the public, Arroyo had a memory for the victims of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. She and De la Cerra also had words for the people of Cartagena who have died since the last processions. “We will work with understanding and harmony, with enthusiasm and joy, so that the parades shine more than ever and Cartagena feels proud of them again,” said De la Cerra, and thanked the institutional support.

Later, together with a music band, brothers and local authorities walked to the Basilica of Charity. The temple, which is under construction, was opened on Calle San Vicente so that the faithful could honor the patron saint, in groups of up to 25 people.