The Diablesa of Orihuela is one of the most emblematic and mysterious processional floats of Holy Week in the province of Alicante. This unique icon, officially known as Triunfo de la Cruz, has been an essential part of the Santo Entierro Procession in Orihuela since its creation in 1694, and to this day, it retains an aura of mystery and controversy due to its peculiar nature and symbolism.
The Diablesa float, commissioned by the Guild of Farmers and created by the sculptor Nicolás de Bussy, stands out due to its fascinating sculptural composition and curious history. The artwork represents a sculptural group where the world, death, and the devil intertwine, symbolising the eternal battle between good and evil. At the centre of a globe, the figure of the devil is shown reclining, with one hand holding the famous apple of sin. On the opposite side, a skeleton represents death, while angels above them hold the Arma Christi, the instruments of Christ's Passion.
An Unusual float in Spanish Holy Week
What makes La Diablesa truly unique is its character. It is the only processional float in Orihuela's Holy Week that features the figure of a devilish being, and its presence in the procession serves as a symbol of the struggle between the flesh (represented by the Diablesa) and the spirit (represented by the cross and angels). Moreover, this float has historically been excluded from sacred spaces, such as churches, due to the nature of its images. This has meant that, throughout history, La Diablesa does not cross the threshold of churches, completing its processional journey outside religious temples.
This particularity, dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, still persists today. The Santo Entierro Procession is divided into two routes: one where the floats cross the church and another where La Diablesa remains outside the sacred boundaries, adding a unique charm to its route.
A Symbol of Controversy and Restoration
The history of La Diablesa has not been an easy one. Over the centuries, the float has suffered various damages due to fires, wars, and periods of political unrest. One of the most traumatic events occurred during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), when the artwork suffered significant mutilations. However, it has always been restored and, after a recent restoration in 2013, it remains a key piece of Orihuela's Holy Week.
In its current procession, La Diablesa is carried by the costaleros of the Santo Entierro Raiguero de Bonanza, who wear black velvet tunics and carry a silver cross as part of their uniform. This float, like others in the procession, is accompanied by the processional march known as "Triunfo de la Cruz, La Diablesa," which enhances the solemn and unique atmosphere of the procession.
The Cultural and Religious Impact of La Diablesa
Despite its controversial nature, La Diablesa has come to be considered a symbol of Orihuela's Holy Week and a Cultural Heritage Asset. The combination of its grotesque figures and strong symbolic weight has generated both admiration and criticism. For many, the presence of the devil in the procession is a way to demonstrate the strength of Christianity in confronting earthly and spiritual temptations.
The representation of the Cruz de los Labradores (the Cross of the Farmers) and its close relationship with the farming community of the city also highlights La Diablesa's connection to the popular traditions of the region. In Orihuela, residents have celebrated this event for generations as an integral part of their cultural and religious identity.
An Immortal Tradition
Over the centuries,
La Diablesa
has witnessed the evolution of Orihuela and left an indelible mark on its culture. Beyond its symbolism, its history of struggle between good and evil, restoration, and controversy, it remains one of Spain's most intriguing processions. Orihuela's
Holy Week
, with its
Triunfo de la Cruz
and its unmistakable
Diablesa
, is a living example of how history, art, and tradition intertwine to create a unique experience that leaves no one indifferent.