Art and tradition

Experience the unique charm of
Baena's local craftsmanship

Baena has a rich tradition of craftsmanship linked to its Holy Week (Easter) celebrations, which has been recognised as a National Tourist Interest. This is partly due to the distinctive figure of the 'Judío' brother, whose attire is particularly striking.

Detalle de casco de Colinegro

The art of the drum and
the attire of the Judío.

In the fully handcrafted production of “Holy Week drums,” the key feature is the creation of a cylindrical drum body made from a strip of brass. The most delicate part of the drum is the “chillones,” which are thick and made of gut. The drumheads must be made from goat or kid skin to ensure a good sound, and they are held in place with a cord and around 18 or 20 leather rings.

This traditional craft has been passed down through generations, preserving a skill that remains rooted in the local community.

Metal forging in the Brotherhoods

Metal is a prominent feature in the uniforms of the brotherhoods during Holy Week. The process of making the “helmet” starts with marking a brass sheet, which is then cut with scissors, and the detailing is done using a chisel. The tail, either white or black, is made from “liñuelos” (groups of horsehair bristles). The “drum bottoms” – made by tinsmiths – are also carefully crafted and chiselled.

Devotional fabrics

Banners, canopies, vestments for sacred images, and those used by the brotherhoods.
The Judío costume is crafted in a tailoring workshop, with the red jacket embroidery being a key feature and an important tradition in Baena.
Embroidery is the art of decorating fabric by stitching threads onto a textile base.

Read more