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The black mantilla: Holy Week tradition
The black mantilla is worn during Semana Santa, particularly on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Tradition dictates wearing strict black as a sign of mourning during the Passion. The mantilla should be made of blonda or lace, with floral or geometric patterns, and long enough to fall down the back to the waist or below.
Black mantillas for Holy Week
How to place a mantilla step by step
Placing a mantilla correctly takes practice, but the process is straightforward:
- The hairstyle: tie your hair in a low, tight bun at the nape of the neck. This is the base that will hold the peineta.
- The peineta (comb): insert the peineta tilted slightly backwards (about 20–30°), pushing the teeth firmly into the bun. Use extra hairpins if needed.
- The mantilla: drape the centre of the mantilla over the peineta so it falls evenly on both sides. Adjust it to frame the face and hang naturally down the back.
- Securing: use a mantilla pin or brooch at the chest to hold the front edges in place and prevent the wind from moving it.
What to wear with a black mantilla
The outfit for wearing a mantilla during Holy Week should be black, understated and elegant:
- Colour: solid black only — no prints or colours.
- Length: below the knee, ideally ankle-length.
- Sleeves: at least elbow-length. Necklines should be modest.
- Fabric: crêpe, chiffon or matte silk. Avoid shine and sheer fabrics.
- Shoes: closed black shoes with a medium or high heel.
The white mantilla: weddings, christenings and celebrations
A white or ivory mantilla is reserved for joyful occasions: weddings (as bride or mother of the bride), christenings, communions and papal audiences. The mother of the bride wearing a white mantilla is a classic image of Spanish tradition. White mantillas are usually made of embroidered tulle or Chantilly lace and pair with outfits in light, champagne or pastel tones.
Essential accessories
In addition to the mantilla and peineta, the traditional accessories include:
- Mantilla brooch or pin: secures the mantilla at the chest. Classic options are jet (azabache) or silver.
- Earrings: long, teardrop or chandelier style. In black (jet) for Holy Week, gold or pearl for weddings.
- Rosary: worn around the wrist or held in hand during the procession.
- Handbag: small black clutch with no embellishments.
Where to buy Spanish mantillas
At FlamencoExport we offer a wide collection of Spanish mantillas for Holy Week, weddings and special events. You will find black lace mantillas in various sizes, white mantillas for brides and mothers of the bride, and peineta combs in every style. All made in Spain with worldwide shipping.