The tradition of the “vela rizada”: Wax made art
If you have the opportunity to visit a church this Lent season or are lucky enough to see a procession through the streets of Seville, you will not have missed the imposing “velas rizadas” that adorn the floats and altars. These elegant wax creations, also known as wax flowers or curled candles, are much more than simple ornaments; they are a manifestation of art and the devotion that characterizes this city during Holy Week.
Wax made art
This art of braiding wax to make flowers originated in the 15th century and is attributed to the Augustinian Fathers. They took this art to Mexico, where it quickly became popular, there it is known as «cera escamada» (flaked wax) and is always made with dyes. The art returned to Spain in the 19th century through Puerto de Indias and in the 20th century it became popular again with the renovation of the paso de la Macarena by Juan Manuel Rodríguez Ojeda.
Although they were initially used to fill the intermediate spaces in the pasos or to cover the bases of the vertical candles, their use has evolved over time. Now, each brotherhood decides how to incorporate them in their processions, creating a variety of unique designs and styles. If you look closely you will see how each brotherhood uses different details and flowers. For example, the Virgen del Rosario del Polígono San Pablo usually has rosary motifs on its candles
An artisanal process
The elaboration of these candles has given rise to a whole cottage industry in Seville. Moreover, it is a craft that requires skill and patience. To make them, the first step is to heat the wax until it becomes a liquid. Once in this state, it is poured into hand-carved wooden molds in the shapes of petals, leaves and other decorative elements. After pouring the wax into the molds, they are immersed in water to cool the wax and solidify it. All the ornaments are linked together and curled candles of different sizes and shapes are created. It is a very laborious and handcrafted process that requires master wax makers for its elaboration.
Now that you know the origin and how these candles, so typical of the Sevillian devotion, are made, we invite you to appreciate the details of the candles in the next step you have the opportunity to see or in the future church you are going to visit. You will see how each creation will surprise you more and more.
