The Official Race

The Official Route is the common path taken by all the brotherhoods that make up our Holy Week in Córdoba. It will begin at Plaza del Triunfo (the Puerta del Puente) and end at the Puerta de Santa Catalina. The current Official Route skirts the Cathedral, passing by the Triunfo de San Rafael, along C/ Torrijos, C/ Cardenal Herrero, Puerta del Perdón, the Patio de los Naranjos, through the interior of the Holy Cathedral Church, again through the Patio de los Naranjos, and ends at the aforementioned Puerta de Santa Catalina. Thousands of Cordobans gather along the route to better enjoy the processional parades.

Historical Route of the Official Route

If we go back to the 1950s, we would find a much longer route that began on Calvo Sotelo Street (now Capitulares), and went along Claudio Marcelo Street, Tendillas, Gondomar and Gran Capitán Streets, ending on Avenida del Generalísimo (now Ronda de los Tejares), where the former Civil Government was located.

At the beginning of the 1960s, the Official Route was moved to the surroundings of the Cathedral, as is the case today, later returning to the city center, and recently, it has been relocated once more to the Cathedral.

The Official Route: Common Path and Historical Evolution

The Official Route is the common path that all processions must take, and it has changed over the years.

Stands and Chairs along the Official Route

Along the entire route, various stands and chairs are placed on both sides of the street, which can be rented for a modest price, either for the entire week or for a specific day. They serve a very important function, as they allow elderly people or children to comfortably watch all the brotherhoods of our Holy Week without having to move to the various points through which they pass, enjoying the images in the narrowest spots (Deanes Street, San Zoilo Street) or when they enter their neighborhoods, receiving the warmth of their neighbors. The stands and chairs are similarly arranged in Plaza del Triunfo, where the “Authorities’ Stand” is located, headed by ecclesiastical and municipal authorities, as well as other important figures in our city.

Timetable Control of the Processions

The Brotherhood Association uses the Official Route to establish a timetable control of all the brotherhoods for that day, determined by the passage of each brotherhood’s Guiding Cross, both at the entrance and exit of their temple, as well as at the entrance and exit of the Official Route itself. Here, the figure of the “Time Deputy” stands out, responsible for ensuring that his brotherhood’s penitential procession proceeds according to the scheduled time.

Guided Tours and Tourism in Córdoba

If you wish to discover the Holy Week of Córdoba, do not hesitate to book one of our guided tours. We are experts in the interpretation of Córdoba’s historical heritage. If you have chosen to go sightseeing in Córdoba, choose a quality option: choose ArtenCórdoba.

Text: J.A.S.C.