Vera Cruz
Borne along on a wheeled "trono" (or throne) and escorted by a group of armour-clad Guardia Civil officers, the precious relic of the True Cross descends the hill from the castle.
(It's at the centre of those bright lights, safely housed in its priceless, gem-encrusted casket.)
This is the start of a two day peregrination for the cross. Tomorrow morning it will be washed in the waters of the purpose-built temple (an unlikely looking rotunda surrounded by fountains) and afterwards it will pay a visit to the city's principal church.
Whether the casket really does contain a relic of the cross whereon Jesus Christ died hardly seems to matter. Simply to stand next to the object which, for a thousand years, has excited such devotion is actually quite awe-inspiring. If it's a hoax, that in itself is impressive. There are not many hoaxes which have endured for a thousand years.
To see another photo of the soldiers, follow the link.