Carmona’s Romeria (pilgrimage) in 2017

Each year in early September the people of Carmona celebrate their discovery of the “image” of a virgin Ntra. Sra de Gracias, a Catholic relic undiscovered for more than eight centuries that lasted throughout the Muslim occupation of Andalusia. She became the Holy Patron of Carmona. I have already posted the Carmona Pilgrimage in my blog but I couldn’t resist publish some more photos.

The image of the Virgin in its flowery carriage is shown to villagers  crossing the Old City, stopping at the Cathedral, passing though the Cordoba Gate to slowly go down the ancient  Roman road towards the Hermitage, built where it had been discovered.

All horse riders’ photos were taken from my neighbor’s balcony and dated 2016. The horse parade heralds the arrival of the Virgin.

Lower photo, the rider dressed in grey is Adrian. We will see him later in 2017.

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then carriages

Finally comes the Virgin with the Municipal Band and the carriage from Carmona’s pilgrims to the Virgin of El Rocío.

The Mayor of Carmona greets us (lower photo)

A US citizen from Oregon accompanies Leopold.

Lower photo: Pili (right), “my” Feria flamenco star, wearing the typical country dress of this Romeria

Thank you, street workers!

This year in 2017, I watched the arrival of the parade at the Hermitage on the old road to Córdoba. First the horses.

Here is Adrian again. Behind him is the impressive building of the Hermitage. The nlower photo shows Aroa, the younger sister of Adrian.

Then the pilgrims announce the arrival of the Virgin together with the deafening tolls of the bells.

Once there, it was necessary to wait for all the charts to get into the shaded park where festivities last until late at night.

Fervor and kindness is hard work! I walk back to the entrance of the park to steal a few shots of “Romeros” (pilgrims).

My report ends with a visit to the bar and then to the fountain for the horses. If you wish to learn more about, browse my blog (Category Carmona).

Next year, I’ll chose a different viewpoint to be able to present you another facet of Carmona’s Romeria.  Ole!