Cofradía de la Purísima Sangre

The Cofradía de la Purísima Sangre is a religious brotherhood in Sagunto, Spain, central to the town's Semana Santa (Holy Week) celebrations. The organization is currently newsworthy due to its continued refusal to allow women to participate in its processions. This stance has led the Spanish government to initiate proceedings to revoke Sagunto's Semana Santa's designation as a Fiesta de Interés Turístico Nacional (Festival of National Tourist Interest). Recent votes within the Cofradía have reaffirmed the ban, despite increasing pressure and criticism. The government, including the Minister of Equality, has stated that the Cofradía's practices violate constitutional principles of equality and that action will be taken. The situation highlights the ongoing debate surrounding gender equality within traditional religious organizations and the potential consequences of discriminatory practices on cultural recognition and tourism.