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Everything You Wanted to Know About...
El Rocio
The El Rocío pilgrimage is a vibrant and passionate annual journey that draws hundreds of thousands of devotees to the small village of El Rocío in Andalusia, Spain, to honor the Virgin of El Rocío, a celebration filled with religious fervor, traditional attire, and a deep sense of community.
El Rocío Pilgrimage:
A Comprehensive Guide
The El Rocío pilgrimage is a deeply rooted religious and cultural tradition in Andalusia, Spain. Each year, hundreds of thousands of devotees, known as “rocieros,” make their way to the small village of El Rocío in Huelva province to honor the Virgin of El Rocío, also known as the “Queen of the Marshes.” This guide will provide you with a detailed overview of the pilgrimage, its history, traditions, and how you can participate in this unique experience.
Starting Point
The El Rocío pilgrimage has several starting points throughout Andalusia, but one of the most prominent and well-known is the Triana neighborhood in Seville. Triana, located on the west bank of the Guadalquivir River, has a rich history and a strong connection to the pilgrimage.
The Brotherhood
The Triana neighborhood has its own “hermandad” or brotherhood, known as the “Hermandad del Rocío de Triana.” This brotherhood is responsible for organizing and leading the pilgrimage from Triana to El Rocío. They have their own distinctive traditions, customs, and dress code, which we will discuss later in this guide.
The Journey
The pilgrimage from Triana to El Rocío covers a distance of approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) and typically takes three to four days to complete. The journey is made on foot, horseback, or in traditional horse-drawn carriages called “carretas.”
Route and Stopping PointS
The route from Triana to El Rocío passes through several towns and villages, each with its own unique traditions and celebrations. Some of the main stopping points include:
- Villamanrique de la Condesa: Known for its beautiful Mudéjar-style church and lively evening celebrations.
- Pilas: Famous for its “Tamborilá,” a traditional drumming and flute performance.
- Hinojos: Offers a warm welcome to pilgrims with its decorated streets and delicious local cuisine.
- Almonte: The last major stop before reaching El Rocío, known for its fervent devotion to the Virgin.
The Arrival
Upon arriving in El Rocío, pilgrims are greeted by a sea of tents, horses, and carriages. The small village, which normally has a population of just a few hundred, swells to over a million people during the pilgrimage weekend.
The highlight of the pilgrimage occurs on Pentecost Sunday when the statue of the Virgin of El Rocío is carried out of the village church and paraded through the streets. The atmosphere is electric, with people shouting “Viva la Reina de las Marismas!” (Long live the Queen of the Marshes!) and “Viva la Blanca Paloma!” (Long live the White Dove!).
Dates and Timing
The El Rocío pilgrimage takes place annually on the weekend before Pentecost Monday, which is a movable feast depending on the liturgical calendar. Typically, this falls in late May or early June.
The exact dates for the pilgrimage vary each year, so it’s essential to check with the local authorities or the Andalusian Federation of El Rocío Brotherhoods for the most up-to-date information.
Joining the Pilgrimage
If you wish to join the El Rocío pilgrimage, there are several ways to do so:
- Join a Brotherhood: If you have a connection to a specific brotherhood, such as the Triana Hermandad, you may be able to join their pilgrimage group. This often requires being a member of the brotherhood or having a close relationship with someone who is.
- Organize Your Own Group: You can gather a group of friends or family members and organize your own pilgrimage. This involves arranging transportation, accommodations, and supplies for the journey.
- Join an Organized Tour: Some travel agencies and tour operators offer organized trips to the El Rocío pilgrimage, which can be a good option for those who prefer a more structured experience.
The Attire
One of the most distinctive aspects of the El Rocío pilgrimage is the traditional attire worn by the participants. The clothing varies depending on the brotherhood and the individual’s role in the pilgrimage.
Women typically wear “trajes de flamenca” or flamenco dresses, which are colorful, ruffled dresses that fall to the ankle. They also wear “mantillas,” or lace veils, and often adorn their hair with fresh flowers.
Men wear the “traje corto,” which consists of a short jacket, tight-fitting trousers, boots, and a wide-brimmed hat called a “sombrero cordobés.” They may also wear a “faja,” or sash, around their waist.
Those riding horses or driving carriages often wear more practical attire, such as riding boots, hats, and vests adorned with emblems of their brotherhood.
History and Lore
The origins of the El Rocío pilgrimage date back to the 13th century when a hunter from the village of Almonte discovered a statue of the Virgin Mary in a tree trunk near the marshes. The statue was believed to have miraculous powers, and a small chapel was built on the site to house it.
Over time, the devotion to the Virgin of El Rocío grew, and people began making annual pilgrimages to the chapel. In the 17th century, the Almonte brotherhood was established, and the pilgrimage became more organized.
Today, the El Rocío pilgrimage is one of the largest and most fervent religious celebrations in Spain, attracting participants from all over the country and beyond.
Legends and Miracles
Many legends and miracles are associated with the Virgin of El Rocío. One popular legend tells of a young girl who was cured of her blindness after praying to the Virgin. Another speaks of a devastating drought that ended after the statue of the Virgin was carried through the streets of El Rocío.
These stories and others like them have contributed to the deep devotion and passion that surrounds the El Rocío pilgrimage.
The El Rocío pilgrimage is not just a religious event; it is a deeply emotional and passionate experience for those who participate. The journey is a time for reflection, prayer, and bonding with fellow pilgrims.
The arrival in El Rocío and the procession of the Virgin on Pentecost Sunday are moments of intense joy and emotion. Many pilgrims are moved to tears as they shout praises to the Virgin and feel a profound sense of connection to their faith and community.
Conclusion
By understanding the history, traditions, and logistics of the pilgrimage, you can better prepare yourself for this incredible journey. So, if you feel called to join the “rocieros” on their annual trek to honor the “Queen of the Marshes,” don’t hesitate to take part in this truly special and memorable event.