Pilgrimage in honour of the Virgen de la Cabeza
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Type of event: Fiestas
The pilgrimage of the Virgen de la Cabeza is considered the oldest in Spain, and has been celebrated since the 13th century. It was declared a festivity of National Tourist Interest in 1980.
According to popular tradition, the Virgin appeared to the shepherd Juan Alonso de Rivas and, after healing his withered arm, asked him to build a shrine on the Cerro del Cabezo ridge.
Every Sunday before the pilgrimage, the brotherhood known as the Cofradía Matriz pass through the streets and squares of the village inviting everyone to the pilgrimage. The Thursday before the pilgrimage there is a floral offering to the Virgin, whose statue is placed at the front of her chapel surrounded by panels, and covered with bunches of flowers.
Finally on Sunday the main festivity takes place with the procession to accompany the figure of the Virgen de la Cabeza. The whole town vies to touch the float carrying the Virgin with some personal item, and the monks from the Trinitario order raise small children up to the Virgin, who is popularly known as “La Morenita” ("the dark lady").
When and where?
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2010-04-25
Location
Event location: Santuario de la Virgen de la Cabeza Address: Cerro del Cabezo Postal code: 23748 Municipality: Andújar Province: JaénPhone: 953549015 Web: www.santuariovirgencabeza.orgContact data
Phone: 953508200 E-mail: info@andujar.es Web: www.ayto-andujar.es
