The armed, manaies are the Roman soldiers who traditionally march past Easter.
The origin of this tradition is legendary. As explained, Ponç Pilat sent a garrison of legionaries the same night of Jesus' death to see if, as the Messiah had said, he resurrected or not. This fact, later would want to be recreated with the parades of men dressed in Roman soldiers, the armed ones.
In the counties of Girona, there is a long tradition of manaies in different towns, Girona, Blanes, Amer, Banyoles, Besalú, Figueres, Camprodon, Les Planes d'Hostoles, Sant Hilari Sacalm, Besalú, Llagostera, among others.
This year, during the Holy Week processions, women will be dressed in manaia for the first time, specifically in Girona and Banyoles.