Self-flagellation during unusual Easter ceremony in northern Spain

Observant Roman Catholics on Sunday performed an unusual Easter self-flagellation ceremony in the northern Spanish town of San Vicente de la Sonsierra.

The centuries-old ritual sees masked volunteers known as "los picaos" whip themselves on the back as they march through the small town, which lies in the north of La Rioja.

The self-flagellation is seen as an act of faith and penance for their sins.

After around 800 lashes, they then submit themselves to more pain by being pricked several times in the lower back. The bleeding which follows is supposed to prevent bruising from the earlier lashes.

Spain is famous for its stunning Holy Week processions, which at times bring city centres in the south of the country to a virtual standstill.