Every Wednesday of Holy Week in Spain, a prisoner is released by the El Rico brotherhood. Dating back to the 18th century, the tradition is said by many to represent everything that Easter stands for – compassion and forgiveness.

The lucky prisoner this year was 26 year old labourer Manuel from a village in the Malaga province, who had been convicted of assault and sentenced to 7 ½ years in prison in 2002.

Although not a religious man himself, Manuel promised to proudly follow the El Rico procession on Wednesday, saying “I am so happy I can hardly believe it”.

Lucky chap!