From the San Isidro Labrador parish, the Cadiz town of Los Barrios fully embraced the start of its pilgrimage. The procession, led by the image of the saint on an ox-drawn cart, included seventy decorated carts and nearly two hundred horsemen, marking the beginning of one of the most deeply rooted festivities in the province of Cádiz.
The pilgrimage, celebrating its sixtieth anniversary this year, originated in 1964 with the revival of the old Brotherhood of San Isidro Labrador, founded in 1849. What began as an act of local memory recovery has become a National Tourist Interest Festival, attracting thousands of participants annually.
The destination of the pilgrimage is the recreational area of La Montera del Torero, a rock formation in the Los Alcornocales Natural Park, whose unique shape evokes the hat that gives it its name. This natural enclave adds a scenic attraction to the devotion, making the journey both a spiritual and visual experience.
The day began with a prayer and blessing at the parish, followed by the pilgrims' march. At midday, the pilgrimage paused for the Angelus prayer at the El Frenazo inn, a moment that combines religious fervor with festive joy. The procession will continue its journey to La Montera del Torero, where the celebration will extend until Sunday, with the return to Los Barrios scheduled for the afternoon of the same day.
Among those attending the start of the pilgrimage were various municipal authorities, including the mayor of Los Barrios, as well as representatives from the cultural and social life. The institutional presence underscores the importance of this tradition, which annually renews the community's collective spirit and its connection to the natural environment.




