Los Picaos de San Vicente de la Sonsierra
los picaos public act penance christian religion occur town san vicente de la sonsierra la rioja spain christian procession station cross member cofradía de la santa vera cruz de san vicente christian confraternity penitent practice selfflagellation back using discipline voluntary act faith called disciplinantes february ministry industry tourism trade spain granted title fiesta national tourist interest held maundy thursday good friday believed tradition began late th century early th century since linked cofradía de la santa vera cruz town march attempted unsuccessfully abolish tradition taking place privately clergy spain great reverence receive indulgence received rank regional tourist interest january began process obtaining status national tourist interest achieved february organization event associated tradition managed inception cofradía de la santa vera cruz one know exact date foundation june presented statute filed tradition existed headquarters located hermitage san juan de la cerca volunteer wish undergo penance must meet requirement adult male priest stating christian good faith brotherhood cofradía assigns disciplinary brother help accompany penance time anonymity penitent maintained people town descendant although others connection found reason decide penance white tunic kneelength opening back white girdle around waist white hood eye hole brown cape white cross procession disciplinante chooses time want perform offering kneel prays standing companion remove cape leave back exposed mop cotton held hand sticking going strong lash back lash strongly shoulder time one side neck rhythmic way partner práctico person charge healing wound decide stop hitting start spotting small bruise set time usually ten twenty minute leading hit handy práctico cut three time side lumbar back using tool called esponja ball beeswax six crystal embedded two two receive twelve puncture symbolizing number apostle disciplinante hitself time blood may accumulated area escape prevent problem complete partner return cover back put layer go headquarters cofradía specialist practitioner heal wound rosemary water cream composition secret passed generation generation holy week maundy thursday procession last supper around holy hour good friday procession station cross holy burial procession start cruz de mayo may sunday following sunday station cross begin around cruz de septiembre september sunday following sunday website cofradía de la santa vera cruz