Flamenco prayers sung from balcony despite pandemic

Despite Holy Week processions being cancelled across Spain due to the coronavirus pandemic the ''Saetas'' - the ''flamenco prayers'' - are still sung in Andalusia from balconies and windows.

People from Cordoba in Andalusia showcased religious images outside on their balconies and chanted religious songs, to show the Easter processions were still happening.

Antonio Ruz, nicknamed "El Peluso", lives in the white-washed village Aguilar de la Frontera, Cordoba.

He is a member of the parish brotherhood, Jesús de la Salud (Jesus of the Health) and said that he hopes that everyone would express their prayers by singing.

Many repeat the prayer from their homes and at 8pm (1800GMT) they take the chance to sing their ''flamenco'' prayers and applaud all healthcare workers on the frontline of the fight against coronavirus.

In San Cristobal to "Barribajo" in Aguilar de la Frontera, many are very devoted to the Jesus of Health.

Small images of Jesus of Nazareth hang from the balconies of the town and in the chapel of the Jesus of Health.

The church is built next to a potter's field where many bodies of people infected with the plague during 1600 were buried.

People who worship the Jesus of Health pray to his image every day, which according to the local tradition, has made several miracles to those affected by the pandemics.

Today, many people pray they will not be infected with COVID-19.

Spain is one of the worst hit countries of the pandemic, with 153,222 confirmed cases and 15,447 deaths.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and could lead to death.