Above the obvious religious significance there is something else in these events. The way those huge gates and doors open up one after other in different point of the city to the heartbeat of loud drums and how the processions slowly making their way using different routes to the city center, there is something deeply moving and unique in that. You would think that this week is just another way to draw tourists to this city, but I heard more spanish than German, English or French around me. The entire city participates, and it is not just for show. Isn’t this a perfect proof that communities need customs, traditions not just to survive, but to thrive? Traditions are participatory, alive when practiced together. Symbolic acts that are performed regularly are connection points not just to their past but to each other, extremely important that links generations, revitalize shared understanding, replenishes memories you can hold on to during difficult times. This is awesome, what an unforgettable experience. You know me, I would do anything to avoid crowds, but this is different. I never thought that just standing there with so many people, witnessing together something to unfold can be so peaceful. Reverence that I thought completely disappeared from this world.