Ermita de la Sangre

The Ermita de la Sangre in Sagunto, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain, is a focal point in a controversy surrounding the local Semana Santa (Holy Week) celebrations. Specifically, the Cofradía (brotherhood) associated with the Ermita has been criticized for maintaining a veto against women's participation. This has led to protests by the 'Semana Santa Inclusiva' collective, who have gathered in front of the Ermita de la Sangre for three consecutive years after being denied access to the Cofradía. The issue is newsworthy because the Spanish government is considering revoking the Semana Santa of Sagunto's designation as a Festival of National Tourist Interest due to this gender discrimination. A recent vote on the inclusion of women saw less support than a similar vote in 2022, highlighting the continued resistance to change. The Ermita de la Sangre, therefore, represents a site of conflict between tradition and evolving social values, with the potential loss of a significant cultural designation at stake.