The yearly celebration of the vespers of Spy Wednesday in the cathedral of Quito, Ecuador, has become famous due to the spectacular ceremony of the Seña (banner) also called reseña or arrastre de caudas- the dragging of trains. The canons process through the Cathedral wearing 16 foot black long cappas, their heads covered by the cappa’s hood. During the chant of the Vexilla Regis they prostrate themselves while the archbishop unfurls and waves a huge black flag with a red cross. The ceremony is rich with emotion and symbolism, with the long black trains representing the sins of man dragging behind which are washed away by the Triumph of Christ, embodied by the flag.

Canon from Quito Cathedral.

Alcide D'Orbigny, 1841

















Caracas, Venezuela



Maracaibo, Venezuela





Lima, Peru (discontinued)

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