The village of El Rocío and Almonte are buzzing with anticipation for the arrival of the Virgen del Rocío. The image, dressed as a Shepherdess, will begin its journey this Wednesday afternoon from its Sanctuary. Throughout the night, it will be carried by the people of Almonte along the three leagues separating the village from the Parish of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción in Almonte. There, the Virgin will remain until the week before the May 2027 pilgrimage, when she will return to the village.
El Rocío village is already experiencing a significant influx of visitors participating in the 'Rocío Chico' services, held prior to the Venida. Last Saturday, the bishop of Huelva inaugurated the Jubilee Year for this event. During the preparatory Triduum, the small cloth and protective cover for the Virgin's journey were blessed. Subsequently, the Hermandad Matriz welcomed 200 new members.
The Rocío Chico, as recalled by the Matriz president, Santiago Padilla, is a deeply rooted festival in Almonte. It commemorates a historical moment when the Virgin came to the aid of her people during the French invasion. This event, which led to the vow of thanksgiving maintained since 1813, highlights the profound devotion of the people of Almonte to their Patroness.
The items protecting the Virgin during the journey include a new protective cover, inspired by the 1949 version, and a small cloth designed by José María Carrasco. The latter, made of baby pink lamé, features a central painting by Alfonso X, the old standard of Almonte, and the former hermitage of El Rocío, a work by artist Nono del Moral. Both pieces were crafted by Mamé de la Vega, with the painting donated by its creator, the cloth offered by the women of the Virgin, and the cover by a group of men from Almonte.
The days leading up to the Venida have included services with Francisco M. Valencia Bando, parish priest of Almonte and rector of the Sanctuary, and Juan Carlos Pérez Godoy, general counselor of the Salesian Mediterranean Province, alongside choirs from the Rocío brotherhoods of Rociana del Condado and Camas. This Tuesday, vicar general Joaquín Sergio Sierra Cervera will preach, accompanied by the Choir of the Hermandad Matriz of Almonte. At midnight, the Holy Rosary will be recited, presided over by the Matriz standard.
The procession will begin this Wednesday afternoon, when the people of Almonte will lift the Virgin from the main altar of the Sanctuary to commence the journey towards Almonte. In the late afternoon, the small cloth and protective cover will be placed on the image. They will be removed at dawn at Alto del Molinillo del Chaparral, upon reaching Almonte, before the procession continues through the town streets to the parish.
Almonte is adorned for the anticipated arrival. The streets along the procession route feature paper arches meticulously crafted by residents over recent months. The 'Ephemeral Cathedral' in Plaza Virgen del Rocío has also been illuminated, a project recognized by the City Council for the professionals involved, concluding with music from the Matriz brotherhood's drummers and the coronation choir.
