Fabrics for Holy Week

For textile professionals, Easter means a wide range of opportunities to make different garments. We analyse all these windows of opportunity, selecting a fabric for each occasion. Will you join us?

Dressing the Virgin

As tradition dictates, the Virgins are dressed according to the liturgy. Just as each brotherhood is distinguished by its colour, so are the Virgins.

This decision is often related to tradition and popular devotion. On many occasions, the colours used in the costumes of Virgins and Brotherhoods are linked to historical events, miracles or specific symbolic meanings. In addition, the choice of colours may vary according to region or local tradition.

The basic liturgical colours are: white, purple, black, burgundy or deep red (maroon) and green.

These images are usually richly dressed with cloaks, sackcloths, crowns and other adornments that reflect the devotion and respect they are held in.

The mantles and shawls that cover the Virgins are usually made of quality fabrics and decorated with embroidery, lace, precious stones and other elaborate details.

In addition, these velvets are often lined with damask, to give a better finish and richness.

In the Hermandades, the figure of the camareras is in charge of paying, keeping and conserving the Virgin's trousseau. Likewise, there is also the figure of the dresser, normally a person from outside the Brotherhood, who dresses the Virgin. One of them is José Manuel Valencia, whose work can be seen on his Instagram profile:

As we can see, these can also be accompanied by other quality fabrics, such as wild silk or brocade.

Nazarene Clothing

It is also known as a habit in certain regions, such as Valencia.

As in the previous case, the colours of the attire are determined by each Brotherhood, following the canons of liturgical vestments.

The most commonly used fabrics are twill, satin and velvet.

Canopies and hangings

Damask is a type of fabric widely used at Holy Week.

Apart from the applications we have seen above, they are also used to decorate the canopies where the Virgin goes, as well as the hangings on balconies.

This type of weaving originated in the ancient city of Damascus in Syria and is prized for its beauty and quality.

The distinctive pattern of damask fabrics is achieved by combining different colours and types of yarn, creating complex designs that often include floral, geometric or abstract motifs.

Mantilla dress

We close this review with an indispensable item in our country: the garments worn by women on Thursday and Holy Friday, dressed in Mantilla, as a sign of mourning for the death of the Lord..

The mantilla should be made of black lace, with no adornments such as ruffles, bows or ribbons. It should be worn over a high comb and is usually combined with a dark suit..

For the Mantilla, if you don't have a per-sé, you can opt for a simple and elegant lace, with a lace finish, like our RANYA model..

In terms of the dress, we have several options to make an elegant dress, among which we highlight:

If you have any questions or want more information about our fabrics, consult sales agent or contact our customer service team!.

Please note that our opening hours are Monday to Thursday from 08:00 to 18:00 and Friday from 08:00 to 14:00.

Cover image: Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen at Unsplash