San Roque Pilgrimage 2026 Concludes with Great Success and Family Atmosphere
The celebration, which saw record participation, maintained its traditional essence with a Rocío mass and ribbon race.
By Macarena Luque Romero
••2 min read
IA
Image of a traditional ox-drawn cart in an Andalusian romería.
The San Roque Pilgrimage 2026 concluded this Sunday with the return of the Patron's cart to its hermitage, after two days of intense celebration that exceeded participation expectations.
The San Roque Pilgrimage 2026 edition has ended with the return of the Patron's cart from Pinar del Rey to its hermitage, marking the close of a festivity that this year recorded unprecedented attendance. Despite the significant increase in participants, the pilgrimage managed to preserve its characteristic family atmosphere, a key element of its appeal.
The organization, led by the Parish Group Romeros de San Roque in collaboration with the City Council, designed a comprehensive program that began on Saturday and extended until Sunday afternoon. Sunday's activities included a Rocío mass, dance performances by the Vanessa Orrán Flamenco Cultural Association, and a ribbon race, before starting the return journey to San Roque City.
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"The high participation of horsemen and carts, as well as the cooperation of the carts themselves to avoid incidents, has been remarkable. People who visited us for the first time have expressed their desire to return."
The organization has encouraged the public to join the pilgrimage next year, highlighting the beauty of the natural environments traversed, such as Pinar de La Alcaidesa and Pinar del Rey. Although areas for improvement are acknowledged, the invitation remains firm, ensuring a rewarding experience.
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"We make a very positive assessment of this year's pilgrimage. Despite the high participation, there have been no serious incidents, which leaves us with two very satisfactory days. We are very happy."
Sunday morning began with the Rocío mass, enlivened by the Coro Rociero Ciudad de San Roque, which included the traditional offering of the Fandango de Punta y Tacón by the Chari Expresati group. Subsequently, several dance exhibitions were performed by the young girls of the Vanessa Orrán Flamenco Cultural Association. After lunch, the ribbon race was held, with numerous horsemen participating, and prizes were awarded for this competition, which had the collaboration of the La Polaina Horsemen's Association, as well as awards for the best rider attire in various categories.