Thousands of devotees have begun their journey to the Cerro de los Ángeles in Getafe to celebrate the Romería Rociera. The festivities include music, dancing, and a mass on Sunday.
The Cerro de los Ángeles has become the epicentre of devotion and celebration with the arrival of thousands of devotees who started their pilgrimage this morning. The thirty-ninth edition of the Romería Rociera is marked by a festive atmosphere, where attendees will camp throughout the weekend. Activities began on Friday with the descent of the Image of Our Lady of Rocío from the Casa de Andalucía, kicking off a night filled with singing and dancing to sevillanas.
This Saturday, the pilgrims began to move towards the starting point, which has led authorities to cut traffic on a stretch from Calle Madrid to the fairgrounds. Luis Grisolía, president of the Casa de Andalucía, reported that due to high temperatures, schedules have been moved forward to protect both attendees and the animals involved in the festivities.
At 9:30 am, the pilgrimage was formally initiated in the San Marcos industrial estate, where a meeting took place with pilgrims coming from Pinto and other southern towns. They are expected to arrive at the Cerro around 1:00 pm. The afternoon promises to be hot and will culminate with scheduled musical performances starting at 11:00 pm.
Midnight will be a special moment with a hymn to the Blanca Paloma, followed by a Salve Rociera that will take place at 3:00 am. Throughout the night, there will be continuous entertainment from local groups.
Sunday will be a significant day with a mass scheduled for 12:00 pm, officiated by Colonel Félix L. Garran. This event will also include a symbolic release of doves and blessings for the youngest attendees. Afterwards, a communal meal will take place before the return to the starting point scheduled for 7:45 pm.
To facilitate access to the event, free buses will operate from 8:00 pm to 2:00 am on Saturday and from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on Sunday. This tradition is not only a religious act but also a cultural celebration that unites entire communities around their Andalusian roots.
Over time, events like this have evolved; let us remember that three decades ago only a few dozen participated in this pilgrimage compared to the thousands that now fill every corner of the Cerro. The Romería Rociera is not only a physical journey to a sacred place but also an emotional journey towards our shared traditions.
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