Virgin of Hope Macarena, bullfighter's Patroness

This was a short journey I made to see our Lady of Hope (Senora de la Esperanza), which is a bejewelled statue of the Virgin Mary and is the most revered religious icon in Seville. It is held in the Basilica de la Macarena, and during the Easter Festivals is paraded in all her splendour through the streets of Seville. This 16th century statue (also known as the Queen of Seville) is dressed like a queen and surrounded by all of the regalia of royalty. She is made of wood and down her cheeks flow five glass teardrops. The early 20th century basilica is small but furnished in the most extravagant style in gold, silver, and jewelled decorations. It is one of those jaw dropping experiences when you first see inside and you can't help but whisper "oh my God, this is beautiful " She is also known as the Patroness Saint of Bullfighters, and on his death bed Jose Gomez Ortega ( the maestro bullfighter) left five rose emerald brooches to be attached to her dress. During his funeral is the only time in history that the statue has worn only black vestments as a sign of her respect for the famous bullfighter Before I made the 2km walk back to my flat in the 34degree 3pm heat I called in to a Chinese cafe/bar that was advertising a 5 euro lunch and was well pleased with what I got, No dinner for me that night...

The basilica of Macarena

Only a small church

looking towards the alter

La Macarena in all her glory

another view

A side chapel in different vestments

another side chapel

and another

My sixth floor apartment block

salad, chicken noodles. fried bread 5 euro lunch