National Gypsy Pilgrimage

This pilgrimage, widely known as the national gypsy pilgrimage and declared a festivity of Andalusian Tourist Interest, takes place in honour of the Virgen de la Sierra every third Sunday in June, since 1969. Over the years it has become a compulsory meeting place for gypsies from all over Spain.

The day before, the pilgrims camp around the shrine to offer the patron saint of Cabra, Majarí Kalí, songs and floral offerings.

The mass is the main event, attended by pilgrims, gypsies and non-gypsies, and afterwards the image is taken in procession by the statue-bearers and everyone sings to the image. A tradition is to sing the "alboreá" to the virgin - it is a traditional song in gypsy weddings that praises the woman's virginity.

Once the virgin returns to the shrine, the pilgrims carry on with the festivity.

The celebration ends by praying the "Santo Rosario", which is the way pilgrims say goodbye before starting the journey home.