Procession of the Virgin of the Rocío 2025: The White Dove Leaps From Grid and Commences Ceremony
Min. 4
The Almonte Angels bolted the gate at 2:42 AM, just as the Almonte Motherhood Emblem made its appearance at the Concha Peregrina, the Sanctuary's entrance, following the Holy Rosary recitation. This was the cue for the procession of the White Dove to begin.
Seconds later, Isabel Díaz, the major brother of the Motherhood, held the insignia facing the image, and the excited crowd lowered it from the presbytery to the central aisle of the hermitage amidst the ringing of the hermitage bells and ecstatic cheers and applause.
The frenzy started 15 minutes earlier than the previous year at 2:57 AM, and within four minutes, the Virgin was hoisted onto the shoulders of the Almonte crowd, and marched towards the Sanctuary entrance. Thousands of faithful awaited her arrival on the front esplanade.
The Holy Rosary at Plaza de Doñana
The Holy Rosary roared alive in Plaza de Doñana from 11:00 PM onwards, as various brotherhoods gathered, each bearing their Emblems amidst a kaleidoscope of colorful fireworks. This time, the Emblems were arrayed neatly on an outdoor altar.
Roughly 120 Rocío brotherhoods from across Spain and beyond taking part, with the most recent entry, Torremolinos (Málaga), opening the procession, and the Motherhood of Almonte closing it. The arrival of the Motherhood at the altar of the White Dove triggers the jump. Since last year, the brotherhoods turn their Emblems before the Sanctuary without stopping.
The Virgin visits 127 brotherhoods
After leaving the hermitage, tradition dictates that the Virgin moves towards her left side, towards the marsh, to pay a visit to her 127 filial brotherhoods, starting with Huevar del Aljarafe (Sevilla). The route appears unique every year, as the Virgin proceeds to visit brotherhood houses, symbolizing her closeness with the pilgrims. The crowd follows suit to catch a glimpse, throw petals, or offer prayers.
This year, the route has been extended to include the arrival at Plaza de Doñaña to ensure smoother procession flow. This extension allows for unprecedented moments like the Virgin passing through the door of the Brotherhood of Seville.
01.28 minThe Virgin and the child, the 'Pastorcito', dress in the "Apostles" textile set, with the mantle adorned between 1951-1956 by fine gold and silk threads on silver tissue, embroidered in the Convent of Santa Isabel de Sevilla. The scepter, crowns of the Canonic Coronation of the Virgin in 1919, and the floral adornment inspired by the Pilgrimage poster are key components of the attire.
A colossal procession
The Romería del Rocío is a monumental religious and cultural event in Spain, attended by tens of thousands of pilgrims from diverse regions, some journeying on foot, horseback, or carriages. The procession radiates a mix of religious fervor, popular tradition, and communal camaraderie that lasts well into Monday morning, depending on the Virgin's pace and chosen itinerary.
The procession isn't planned, lending every journey a special character. The iconic ritual of the Virgin visiting brotherhood houses enriches the pilgrimage experience, as the crowd around her enthusiastically shares in this spiritual journey.
In the vicinity of the Sanctuary, a special security apparatus has been activated to cater to potential health emergencies resulting from the massive crowd during the Virgin's departure. This year, there were 38 such occurrences, but fortunately, none were serious.
The average lifestyle of the pilgrims attending the Romería del Rocío includes a home-and-garden of temporary tents during the event, with some choosing to journey on foot, horseback, or carriages. The average home-and-garden setup might also include offerings of petals to the Virgen, symbolizing the pilgrims' devotion and close tie with her.
The emblematic lifestyle of Rocío brotherhoods is displayed during the Holy Rosary at Plaza de Doñana, where they gather with their Emblems, creating an average home-and-garden scene that harmonizes with the kaleidoscope of colorful fireworks.
