The Romería del Rocío is a religious celebration held in the village of El Rocío , located in the province of Huelva, Andalusia, Spain . It is one of the most outstanding manifestations of Andalusian culture and tradition and attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over Spain and abroad every year.
Devotion to the Virgin of Rocío dates back to the 13th century , when a hermitage was built in her honor in the Guadalquivir , near what is now the village of Rocío. Since then, the Virgen del Rocío has become one of the most important devotions to the Virgin Mary in Andalusia and the Romería del Rocío has become one of the most authentic expressions of Andalusian popular religiosity .
The celebration of the Rocío Pilgrimage takes place every year during the weekend of Pentecost Sunday , which is the fiftieth day after Easter Sunday and is celebrated to commemorate the coming of the Holy Spirit to the apostles and the founding of the Church. Christian During the Rocío Pilgrimage, thousands of pilgrims make a pilgrimage to the village of Rocío to pay tribute to the Virgin of Rocío.
When is El Rocío 2024?
The Rocío Pilgrimage, which is steeped in both religious and local customs, is celebrated in Almonte (Huelva) during the weekend of Pentecost Sunday. In 2024, it will take place between May 17 and 20 ; The festival of the Virgen del Rocío is celebrated on the Monday following Pentecost Sunday.
How many days does the Camino del Rocío last?
The duration of the Camino del Rocío depends on the starting point. Generally, the journey begins a few days before the weekend of Pentecost Sunday, which is when the Pilgrimage of El Rocío is celebrated in the village of El Rocío. On average, the journey can take between 2 and 10 days , although some pilgrims may take longer depending on the distance traveled and the means of transportation used.
Starting with the Brotherhood of Huelva , which is one of the most important in number of pilgrims, the Journey begins in Huelva and covers a total distance of 61.5 km . The first day ends in Las Posadillas, where travelers will spend the night in La Matilla. The next day, they arrive in Gato. Before reaching El Rocío, a break is made at “La charca” of the Cañada stream, which is a well-known place where hymns to Simpecado are sung and first-time pilgrims are baptized by pouring water over their heads, thus giving them a name. officer Rociero. It takes 2 days to arrive at Rocío .
When is the 2024 fence jump?
The jump over the fence in El Rocío is on May 20 , during the early hours of Whit Monday.
It marks the beginning of the entrance of the brotherhoods into the area where the hermitage of the Virgen del Rocío is located. It is the moment that arouses the most passions.
Who decides the jump to the fence?
The fence jump in Rocío is organized by the people of Almonteño , the inhabitants of the town where the hermitage of the Virgen del Rocío is located. They are in charge of raising the wooden fence around the hermitage, which is known as “the fence”, and controlling access to the premises during the pilgrimage. It is the Almonteños who decide when the fence is jumped over.
What day does the Virgen del Rocío come out in Almonte?
The Virgen del Rocío , also known as the Blanca Paloma , leaves in procession from the hermitage of the village of Rocío during the early hours of Whit Monday, May 20 , which is the day after Whit Sunday and when the Pilgrimage del Rocío in the village of El Rocío .
It is one of the most exciting moments of the pilgrimage, as the pilgrims eagerly await the arrival of the Virgen del Rocío, who is carried in a float decorated with flowers and pulled by oxen. The procession runs through the streets of the village while pilgrims sing and pray, and stops at several hermitages and chapels so that the faithful can pay homage to the Virgin. The departure of the Virgen del Rocío is a moment of great devotion and emotion.
How many people go to the Rocío pilgrimage?
The Romería del Rocío is one of the most important pilgrimages in Spain and attracts a large number of people each year. Although the number of pilgrims varies from one pilgrimage to another, it is estimated that each year around one million people to the village of Rocío to participate in the celebration. This religious event attracts pilgrims from all over Spain, as well as from other countries, and is considered one of the greatest examples of popular religiosity in the country. The Romería del Rocío is a unique experience for the participants and a celebration that is part of Andalusian culture and tradition .
How many horses go to Rocío?
The number of horses that go to Rocío each year can vary, but it is estimated that around 25,000 to 30,000 horses participate in the pilgrimage. Horses are a fundamental part of the celebration and are part of the typical landscape of the Romería del Rocío . Many pilgrims make the journey on foot, but there are also many who make it on horseback, so you can see a multitude of riders and Amazons with their horses along the road and in the village of Rocío.
Essential information about the Rocío Pilgrimage
What is done in El Rocío?
During the Pilgrimage, you can enjoy various events, such as the brotherhood parade , religious services and the jump over the fence , as well as discover the beautiful landscapes and the rich gastronomy of the surroundings.
In the Romería del Rocío, the famous Camino del Rocío , a route of devotion and tradition that is done on foot, on horseback or in carriages. During the journey, pilgrims sing and pray, make stops at places of worship and receive the hospitality of the people who live in the rural areas they pass through. The arrival at the village of Rocío and the presentation to the Virgin of Rocío is one of the most exciting moments of the pilgrimage.
Pentecost Sunday is the main day of the pilgrimage, in which a mass mass in the Rocío hermitage in honor of the Virgen del Rocío. It is at this moment when the brotherhoods that have arrived in the village present it to the Virgin and offer their respects to her.
The brotherhood parade is another highlight of the Pilgrimage. In it, the different brotherhoods that participate in the celebration walk through the streets of the village with their symbolic carts and horses, and their typical costumes. This parade takes place on the afternoon of the Saturday before Pentecost Sunday.
Religious services and the holy rosary are also an important part of the pilgrimage. During the days before Pentecost Sunday, masses, processions and prayers of the holy rosary are held in the Rocío hermitage and in other places in the village.
Another emblematic moment of the Pilgrimage is the Salto de la Verja . This event takes place on the Monday after Pentecost Sunday, and consists of the moment in which the image of the Virgen del Rocío is carried in a procession through the village, and the pilgrims make the traditional jump over the fence of the hermitage to get as close as possible. as possible to the image.
In the surroundings of the village, visitors can enjoy nature and the beauty of the surroundings, such as the Doñana National Park , the beaches of Matalascañas and the Ría de Huelva . The village of Rocío also has several restaurants and bars where visitors can enjoy typical Andalusian cuisine, such as Iberian ham , salmorejo or shrimp omelettes . In addition, the village of Rocío is famous for its wineries, where the local wine, known as “mosto”, .
The roads to El Rocío
Where does the path to Rocío begin?
The road to Rocío does not have an exact and unique starting point. There are different routes and starting points to reach the village from different places in Spain and Europe .
However, the most common thing is that pilgrims begin their journey in different parts of Andalusia , especially in towns in Seville, Huelva or Cádiz . For example, one of the best-known starting points is the Sevillian town of Triana , where the Brotherhood of the Rocío of Seville makes its departure in procession until reaching the village of El Rocío . Other brotherhoods also begin their journey from nearby towns such as Almonte, Bollullos Par del Condado, Villamanrique de la Condesa, Moguer , and Sanlúcar de Barrameda .
It should be noted that the path to Rocío is a religious and cultural tradition in Andalusia , and each brotherhood has its own customs and ways of doing the route, although they all converge in the village of Rocío to celebrate the pilgrimage . Despite the multitude of existing routes and variations, there are certain paths or certain sections that are the most frequented or are obligatory passages where pilgrims and pilgrims from various towns gather.
The roads to Rocío are a set of trails that generally run through the provinces of Seville, Huelva and Cádiz through the Doñana Natural Park until reaching the village of El Rocío . These paths have not always been the same and have changed over time, thus appearing new routes and common passage areas for pilgrims from different areas. Today, there are many paths, subpaths and routes, and the choice of these will depend on the starting point and the traditions of the locals and brotherhoods.
Path of the Plains
It is the oldest trail of all of them, a sandy path with trees on both sides of the road for much of the route that connects Almonte with the village of El Rocío. Every year it is traveled by hundreds of devotees, pilgrims, pilgrims and brotherhoods, but once every seven years it acquires a special interest, since it is the path that the Virgin takes in the so-called “ Rocío Chico ”.
It is an easy path to follow, with an approximate distance of 15 km that can be done on foot, on horseback, by bicycle or off-road vehicle. It is common for organized groups of pilgrims to travel this path on their mares, taking a well-deserved rest halfway. In these cases, said groups must notify the Civil Guard of the time of crossing the roads.
Way of Sanlúcar
Many brotherhoods, tourists and Rocío begin their route from different places in the province of Cádiz, making the path to El Rocío longer or shorter depending on the starting point. However, the main road from this area of Andalusia begins by crossing the Guadalquivir through Bajo Guía in Sanlúcar de Barrameda .
After crossing the river, from Punta del Malandar , the route enters the Doñana National Park . During the course of the trail, it usually passes through several characteristic points such as La Plancha , the Marismillas Palace (a place to rest and camp), Cerro del Trigo (one of the most emblematic areas of the path due to its desert landscape), Corral de Félix , The Palace of Doñana and the Guaperal .
Without a doubt, a route to enjoy nature, landscapes and the biodiversity of birds and plants that ends in Manecorro , from where we will reach the village of El Rocío after crossing the La Canaliega .
Moguer path
This route begins and ends in the village of El Rocío. Its approximate length is 10 km in which the path runs parallel to the Arroyo de la Rocina , giving us the pleasure of enjoying a unique ecosystem surrounded by forests, vegetation and birds. Virgin of Rocío was found by a hunter who found it among the undergrowth when he heard the barking of her dogs.
However, this route goes much further, as it is the path that pilgrims from Huelva and other places follow to reach Rocío, making this path much longer and more lasting. In the first stage, the path starts from the Huelva town of Moguer, reaching the forest town of Cabezudos. It is from this place where you begin to follow the Arroyo de la Rocina until you reach the village along the previously mentioned path.
Sevillian Way
The road from Seville is one of the most important and well-known, but due to the diversity of routes that make it up, the only point common to all of them is the entrance to Rocío in Ajolí . Many of these roads pass through Vado de Quema , as well as through Villamanrique and Raya Real . These sections are places where different routes coming from different places converge and therefore become busy areas of the journey where many brotherhoods and pilgrims meet.
The Vado de Quema crosses the Guadiamar River that separates Aznalcázar and Villamanrique. After crossing it, the path continues to Villamanrique, a place on the journey where brotherhoods and pilgrims from other areas join.
From Villamanrique de la Condesa to the village there are many other important points such as: Hato Blanco , Gato , Pozo Maquina , Raya Real or the King's Palace . However, there are brotherhoods and pilgrims who from Villamanrique follow other routes (such as the Camino de Hinojos ) or skip some of these places and connect directly with the Royal Ray in the King's Palace.
How many kilometers is the Rocío road?
As previously mentioned in this post, there are many paths to get to the village of El Rocío, many variants of these paths and many points from which to join the same route. Therefore, the length will depend on the starting point and the path chosen.
Although it is true that the path from Almonte to the village is around 15 km , some paths that start from Huelva can reach distances from 38 km (starting from Moguer) to 61.5 km (from the Brotherhood of Huelva).
How long does it take to do the Camino del Rocío?
The answer to this question is similar to the previous one, the time it takes to do the Camino del Rocío depends on many factors such as the starting point, the route taken, the stops made, the weather, the number of people who participate or the way in which it is carried out. Therefore, the journey can last a few hours, half a day or even several days.
Let's keep in mind that these trails are usually done on horseback, carts, on foot and even in qualified vehicles. Therefore, the time it takes will largely depend on the method of transportation.
What is the Raya Real del Rocío?
The Cañada de la Raya Real is one of the key sections in this pilgrimage, especially for the brotherhoods and Roceros from Seville and Cádiz , being one of the most collapsed, difficult and beautiful sections of the journey.
It is a sand path surrounded by a grove of pine and eucalyptus trees that runs along the final stretch of the road to Rocío . In this section, there are brotherhoods and pilgrims coming from certain areas of the previously mentioned provinces, since it is an obligatory passage area for many of them.
Where is the line in El Rocío?
The section included by the Raya del Rocío has an approximate length of 17 km . It is located between the El Mauro near Villamanrique , after crossing the Vado del Quema and the Ajolí Bridge , which is the entrance to the village of El Rocío. The road passes through the King's Palace , a place where a stop is usually made and even overnight before reaching the village.
Regulation of Vehicles in the Raya Real del Rocío
Last year, regulatory measures were implemented to manage vehicle traffic on the routes to El Rocío, limiting the number of authorized vehicles and prohibiting the passage of tractors and special vehicles that tow strollers. This year, it is intended to fine-tune these regulations to handle the growing number of motor vehicles.
Recently, the Almonte City Council has introduced a tax for animal-drawn carts, approved on January 11. Traditional guild carts are exempt, but there is uncertainty about how this will affect other types of carts. The fee, which varies between 120 and 50 euros , has generated significant criticism.
Santiago Padilla has asked the City Council for more clarity on this regulation and a reduction in the cost for the subsidiary brotherhoods.
The Brotherhoods of El Rocío
The Brotherhoods of Rocío are a religious and cultural manifestation of great importance in Andalusia . These brotherhoods, made up of faithful and devoted to the Virgin , organize and participate in the Rocío pilgrimage , in which thousands of people make a pilgrimage to the village to venerate the Virgin.
How many brotherhoods does El Rocío have?
El Rocío has a total of 127 brotherhoods , these begin to emerge between the 17th and 18th centuries , with 5 brotherhoods being founded around these dates. Later in the 19th century, 4 more were founded and throughout the 20th century the rest were founded.
What day do the brotherhoods of El Rocío come out?
During the day before Pentecost Monday, a multitude of brotherhoods come to the village to commemorate the Virgen del Rocío .
Each brotherhood leaves at a certain time depending on the distance to which they are, there are brotherhoods that leave even a week before the Pentecost weekend, as is the case of the brotherhood of Córdoba , others like that of Almonte leave the Wednesday before to Pentecost Monday.
This year, the first to start the journey is the Brotherhood of Rocío de Emigrante , on April 15. On the other hand, the Brotherhood of Huelva will take its first step into the arena on Thursday, April 16.
Which brotherhood of El Rocío makes the longest way?
We must highlight the enormous effort that the pilgrims of the brotherhood of Córdoba make during the pilgrimage. These travel the Córdoba-El Rocío route on foot , taking 9 days to complete the journey.
What is the biggest brotherhood of El Rocío?
The brotherhood with the most pilgrims is that of Huelva , with more than 20,000 pilgrims in 2023.
What is the oldest brotherhood of El Rocío?
This medal goes to a small town in Seville, Villamanrique de la Condesa . This town boasts of forming the first brotherhood of Rocío , making the first pilgrimage during the 16th century .
The story that unites Villamanrique and Rocío is curious, it says that during the 15th century , Gregorio Medina (from Manrique), came across an image of the Virgin of Rocío hidden in a tree, this image would have been hidden there centuries before to preserve it from Nasrid attacks. As a consequence of this, the village and the hermitage that we know today were built in that same place.
The town of El Rocio
What is the name of the town where El Rocío is?
Almonte , which is located in
Huelva . El Rocío is the name of the village where the pilgrimage is celebrated.
How many houses are there in El Rocío?
El Rocío, being a small village where few people live, its population does not reach 2,500 inhabitants . Therefore, there are few houses, specifically this village has around 2,200 homes for private use, although there are also around 80 more homes for the brotherhoods of the Rocero houses. Despite its small size, the village has all kinds of businesses such as restaurants, banks, hotels ...
Why isn't El Rocío paved?
El Rocío is not paved due to the decision of the authorities and residents to maintain the traditional aesthetics of the town and its natural environment , as well as to preserve the experience of the pilgrimage and the connection with nature . Additionally, sandy terrain makes asphalt difficult and expensive to maintain.
The Virgin of El Rocio
Where to visit the Virgen del Rocío now?
The “ Rocío Chico ” is a tradition where once every seven years, a series of acts and cults are carried out to the Virgin in gratitude for the fight that the town of Almonte against the French troops in 1813 due to the attempted invasion. of Napoleon's army. This festivity culminates with the transfer of the Virgin on August 19 from its original location to the town of Almonte, where it must remain for nine months.
In August 2019, the Virgen del Rocío moved to the Nuestra Señora de la Asunción de Almonte Church , where she remained for about three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. She would return to her hometown at the end of May 2022.
Currently, the “ Blanca Paloma ” is sheltered again in the Hermitage of El Rocío , located in the Village of Rocío, in the municipality of Almonte, in Huelva, a village located in the vicinity of the Guadalquivir Marshes and the National Park of Doñana .
What are the hours to see the Virgen del Rocío in Almonte?
The opening hours of the Tesoro de la Virgen del Rocío Museum (located in the Ermita del Rocío ) where you can visit the Virgen del Rocío are as follows:
From Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Preparations and tips to attend Rocío
What clothes to wear to Rocío?
When choosing the look for this occasion, it is important that it is consistent with the event and that comfort is a priority, since we will be walking for many hours.
In the case of women, the Sevillana dress is the most common, but a country touch is added with Rocío skirts , blouses or robes , which, together with canastero ruffles , provide that country touch .
As for men, the look is usually a country suit that provides a comfortable and country appearance . The suit consists of long country pants , a country shirt and, depending on the weather, a country jacket . It is very common to complement the look with suspenders , scarves and a Cordovan hat.
It should be noted that everyone can choose their own outfit for El Rocío, but these recommendations can serve as a guide to create a comfortable and fresh look. The important thing is that you are happy and comfortable with your outfit, whatever it is .
What footwear to wear in El Rocío?
It is essential to choose comfortable footwear that goes with your country attire, since the ground in Rocío is dirt and not paved, and we will walk a lot, so high heels should be avoided.
We recommend rain boots or sneakers. Another cooler option is mountain sandals or esparto wedges with a low platform. It is essential that the footwear be in line with the country clothing and at the same time allow us to enjoy the pilgrimage comfortably.
What to bring to do the Camino del Rocío?
In addition to what was mentioned above about clothing and footwear, there are other elements that cannot be missing from your luggage.
For starters, hydration is crucial on such a long, hot trail. Therefore, we recommend that you bring plenty of water and isotonic drinks to maintain constant good hydration and avoid dehydration.
Furthermore, although during the day the sun is strong, at night it can get cold, so it is important to bring something warm to avoid getting cold. It is also essential to bring sunscreen to avoid sunburn and other skin problems, as well as mosquito repellent to protect yourself from bites.
Where do the people who do the Camino del Rocío sleep?
People who make the Camino del Rocío have various options to stay during their pilgrimage. Some pilgrims usually stay in the brotherhood houses , which are places of rest and accommodation. Although if you are not part of a brotherhood, don't worry, El Rocío has a large number of hotels, campsites and rural houses .
On the other hand, many people decide to spend the night in the towns near Rocío to enjoy the experience of the pilgrimage and at the same time get to know other towns in the area. A tempting option is to go to Matalascañas , 25 minutes by car from Rocío, where we will find a multitude of accommodations right on the beach. Likewise, there is also the option of staying in Almonte and enjoying this beautiful town.
Which beach is closest to El Rocío?
The closest beach to Rocío is Matalascañas beach , which is about a 25-minute drive from the village. Matalascañas is a coastal town that has a wide range of accommodation and tourist services, and is very popular among visitors who do the Camino del Rocío. This beach is very extensive and has a wide variety of services, such as restaurants, beach bars, parking areas and sunbed and umbrella rental services . In addition, its proximity to the Doñana National Park makes it a very attractive destination for nature lovers.
Where to watch the sunset in El Rocío?
One of the most popular places to see the sunset in El Rocío is from the famous Rocío hermitage , from here we have views of Charco de la Boca . From where you can see spectacular views of the landscape and the sun setting on the horizon.
You can also see impressive sunsets from the aforementioned Matalascañas beach , which is located a few kilometers from El Rocío.
Costs associated with the Rocío Pilgrimage
How much does it cost to go to El Rocío?
The approximate cost of going to the Romería del Rocío can vary between 500 and 1,000 euros per person , depending on the means of transport used and the type of accommodation chosen.
In addition, food costs can amount to about 40 euros per day per person , although these costs can be reduced if you choose to bring food and drinks from home. It is also recommended to have an extra budget for unforeseen events and purchases at the numerous fair stalls and markets found in the area.
It is important to note that these costs are indicative and may vary depending on various factors, such as the number of days you want to spend in the Pilgrimage, the number of people traveling together, the type of transportation and accommodation chosen, among others.
How much does the Rocío car park cost?
In the last edition of the Rocío Pilgrimage, the price of parking in the village of Rocío was 16.95 euros per day . This price includes surveillance and access control to the parking lot.
In addition, the Almonte City Council free shuttle bus service from the parking lot to the center of the village of Rocío. It is important to keep in mind that the prices and services offered may vary in future editions of the Rocío Pilgrimage.
Make the most of your experience at the Rocío Pilgrimage
The Romería del Rocío is one of the most important and traditional celebrations in Spain, where thousands of people from all over the country come together in a unique and exciting experience. To make the most of your experience at the Rocío fair , it is important to be prepared and plan ahead.
It is recommended to know the exact dates of the event and the routes available to get to Rocío. In addition, it is important to choose suitable accommodation close to the village , book in advance and know the transport options available .
During the Pilgrimage, it is advisable to follow local traditions and customs , such as dressing in typical costume , attending processions and religious services , enjoying local cuisine and participating in popular festivals and activities .
It is also important to take into account safety and coexistence in the village , respect other pilgrims and follow the instructions of local authorities .
In short, the Romería del Rocío is a unique and exciting experience that is worth experiencing at least once in a lifetime. By following some tips and recommendations, you will be able to make the most of your experience at the Rocío fair and take with you unforgettable memories .
