Religious brotherhoods (Hermandades) representing guilds of tradesman, in elaborate robes often with high pointed cowls covering their faces, carry the very heavy statues with a slow rocking gait accompanied by drum beat, incense and candles.

The Costa towns and villages are full of pageantry and music whilst Malaga, famous for the size and grandeur of its processions, virtually comes to a standstill and is one of the best places to observe these rites. Apart from parading through the streets of their towns, the local brotherhoods hold exhibitions of their paraphernalia and possessions. In some towns and villages passion plays are enacted at this time. Within Axarquia Moclinejo holds a passion play on Good Friday, and Riogordo holds a series of these plays throughout the week.