The Virgen del Rocío, known as the White Dove, has commenced its awaited transfer to Almonte from the village of El Rocío. After seven years, the people of Almonte have lifted their patron saint to begin the journey, a ritual that took place yesterday afternoon.
The peak moment occurred minutes before half-past three in the afternoon, when the people of Almonte accessed the presbytery of the Sanctuary and took hold of the Virgin's palanquin. The procession, which began with some delay, gathered thousands of devotees in the sands, who expressed their faith with cheers, tears, and the sound of firecrackers and bells.
The nearly five-hour route through the village included the Virgin's visit to houses along the way and an approach to the marshland to bless its waters. The procession passed by various brotherhood houses adorned with flowers and confetti, while the afternoon heat was evident on the faces of the participants.
As dusk fell, the Virgen del Rocío arrived at the 'templete del pañito' (small shrine of the cloth), where she was placed amidst applause and gun salutes. The 'camaristas' (attendants) covered the patron saint's face with the 'pañito', which this year depicts a scene of King Alfonso X, before the Virgin was covered with her new transfer cloak to begin the remaining three leagues to Almonte.
The Virgin is expected to arrive in Almonte at dawn this Thursday, where she will be received by the town after a seven-year wait.
