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Spaniards defend Easter tradition of ‘killing Jews’

Each year participants are encouraged to drink a special drink of wine and lemonade, which is accompanied by a call to ‘Kill Jews’

April 2, 2024 11:10
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Penitents from the 'Hermandad Penitencial de las Siete Palabras' brotherhood take part in a procession during Holy Week in the northwestern Spanish city of Zamora on March 26, 2024. (Photo by CESAR MANSO / AFP) (Photo by CESAR MANSO/AFP via Getty Images)

ByRosa Doherty, , Rosa Doherty

2 min read

A Spanish Easter festival has drawn criticism after encouraging people to “Matar judíos,” which translates to “Kill Jews.”

Semana Santa, otherwise known as Holy Week, is observed all over the Spanish-speaking world, but the Spanish region of León has its own unique take on the festivities.

Each year locals and tourists are encouraged to drink a special glass of wine-lemonade, which is accompanied by a call to “Kill Jews.”

Explaining the religious period to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Margarita Torres Sevilla, a professor of medieval history at the University of León, said: “It’s an expression here. For example, you tell me, ‘Have a drink with me? Okay, let’s go kill Jews.’