In a recent extraordinary meeting, members of the Cofradía de la Purísima Sangre in Sagunto, Spain, voted against allowing women to participate in the Holy Week celebrations, maintaining a tradition that has been in place for 500 years. The vote concluded with 267 against and only 114 in favor, along with eight abstentions, which means that the eligibility criteria for being a cofrade remains restricted to 'baptized men.' This decision marks the third time since 1999 that such a proposal has been voted on, and despite previous pushes for inclusivity, the outcome shows a lack of support for change.

The Spanish government is closely monitoring the situation, considering the potential withdrawal of the National Tourist Interest status from the Holy Week festivities due to this discriminatory practice. The authorities have indicated that they will wait for the results of a planned vote by the brotherhood before making any official decisions regarding the status of the celebrations. This reflects a broader national conversation about gender equality and the role of women in cultural and religious traditions, as Spain continues to grapple with issues of equality in various arenas.

The implications of this decision could have significant effects on tourism and local cultural identity. Losing the National Tourist Interest label could drastically reduce the visibility and economic benefits that come with it, prompting local leaders to reconsider the viable paths forward for inclusivity in their traditions while balancing historical practices. This issue underscores the tension between maintaining cultural heritage and advancing social justice, particularly within religious contexts.