The act of the Encounter that the town of Hellín, Albacete celebrates on Easter Sunday at the Fairground has been moved up this year to 10:30 a.m., while the start of the procession going up has been delayed to 12:30 p.m., so that the drummers leading the procession have a two-hour margin to «enjoy» that route.
This is stated in the municipal decree signed by the mayor, Manuel Serena, on the occasion of the upcoming celebration of Holy Week in Hellín 2025, in which the mayor recalls that this festival is declared of International Tourist Interest and requests the collaboration of all citizens, residents, and visitors of the municipality so that the events related to it «take place in a tranquil, positive, cordial, and supportive atmosphere.»
The text, reported by Europa Press, indicates that the schedule for the Tamboradas will be as follows: on Good Friday from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.; on Holy Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. until the conclusion of the Procession of the Prayer in the Garden; on Holy Thursday from midnight until the conclusion of the Descent from Calvary Procession; and on Holy Saturday from midnight until the conclusion of the Encounter Procession.
Similarly, during the processional events coinciding with the traditional drumming, in order to streamline and facilitate their progress, access times for drummers and other pedestrians to the various streets where the processions take place will be limited when they reach specific points, facilitating the advancement of the drummers.
On the other hand, for the safety of people and property, the use in public spaces of any devices or artifacts that use any type of flammable product or other items that pose a risk to people is prohibited, unless they have the necessary administrative authorizations.
For the safety of individuals, it is prohibited in the drumming events preceding the processions to carry or transport drums or carts along the routes where said processional events take place.
STREET AND SQUARE MAINTENANCE
In these days of crowded celebrations where public spaces are shared by thousands of people, a call is made to the citizenry to observe the maintenance of our streets and squares so that they offer the best possible condition, remembering the need to respect and comply with municipal regulations.
Additionally, it is reminded to deposit garbage at the established times and locations and not to use public spaces as trash cans, instead using the designated points for this purpose.
In order to properly regulate the extraordinary use of public spaces during Holy Week, and to ensure the passage of people and for reasons of public safety, only bars in the width of their facade will be authorized to be installed in the public space on the processional routes by those hospitality and restaurant establishments located on the processional routes and that have a valid operating license, these must be removed a reasonable time before the procession passes if they hinder its normal development.
The decree also informs property owners, Peñas (social clubs), Brotherhoods and Fraternities of the obligation to comply with the Regulation on Holy Week Headquarters and Peñas Locales. For greater enhancement and brightness on the streets, it is recommended to merchants and hostel owners on the streets where the processions pass, to turn off their lights as the processions go by.
Likewise, it is requested not to place names alluding to social clubs without the proper decorum and respect in public spaces. Similarly, the placement in public spaces of large items such as sofas, armchairs, tables, that obstruct or hinder the circulation of people or emergency vehicles is prohibited.
All individuals participating in drumming events, processions, and other crowded events during Holy Week are required to observe the current hygienic-sanitary measures established by the regional and national authorities, as well as municipal regulations on cleaning public spaces.
In accordance with current regulations, the Local Police force, without prejudice to the actions of other State, regional, or municipal Security Forces, will proceed to issue fines for violations of Organic Law 4/2015 of March 30, on the Protection of Citizen Security, or any other mandatory state, regional, or municipal regulations, to those individuals who violate any of the aforementioned sections.
Finally, the decree invites everyone to enjoy Holy Week «in a civic and friendly atmosphere.» «May hospitality be the hallmark of these days. The responsibility for everything going well is ours, the people of Hellín, through our example, collaboration, and commitment. Holy Week belongs to everyone. And, being for everyone, it is our responsibility to continue making Holy Week in Hellín, our biggest week, year after year,» concludes the mayor’s text.