Hundreds of devotees accompanied the Esperanza Macarena on Monday in its return to worship after a controversial restoration. The brotherhood opened the basilica doors from 6:00 a.m. to receive the faithful amid high anticipation. The process, led by Pedro Manzano, aimed to correct previous errors by another restorer.
On Monday, the Macarena Basilica in Seville filled with faithful from the early hours to witness the return to worship of María Santísima de la Esperanza Macarena. The image, revered for generations, had sparked controversy in July over work done by Professor Francisco Arquillo, prompting the brotherhood to commission a new intervention by Pedro Manzano.
Anticipation was evident, with long queues forming from 6:00 a.m., when the temple doors opened. The Virgin will remain on display uninterrupted until 11:00 p.m. on Monday, and on December 9 and 10, from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The brotherhood arranged two access routes: one for those wishing to approach the image directly in a format similar to kiss-hand ceremonies, entering through the right door of the atrium and exiting via the souvenir shop; and another to view it from the temple's center, entering through the main door.
Individuals with reduced mobility have priority access, guided by security staff. In a letter published on the brotherhood's website, Manzano expressed his gratitude: “Serving the Esperanza Macarena has been a professional and human honor that I will hardly forget.” The restorer emphasized the challenge taken on and his commitment to “restore its devotional integrity and return that gaze so many recognize as refuge, consolation, and promise.”
This return marks a new chapter for the brotherhood, seeking to regain the devotees' trust after the previous process's errors.