The gathering, convened by the Matriz de Almonte, brought together presidents and elder brothers of brotherhoods in El Rocío. This meeting served to consolidate the details of the imminent pilgrimage, building upon topics already discussed in previous regional assemblies. Furthermore, it deepened awareness of the social, territorial, and ecclesiastical reach that this devotion has achieved, and the significant responsibility it entails.
Santiago Padilla, president of the institution in Almonte, linked the trajectory of the Rocío movement to increasing demands on the filial brotherhoods. He explained that the Church's growing attention to popular religiosity also brings a responsibility commensurate with the devotion's gained prominence. Its presence has firmly established itself in numerous towns and cities, a result of the brotherhoods' own dissemination efforts, even becoming part of their urban landscape with streets and monuments dedicated to El Rocío.
So as not to lose sight of the religious meaning that underpins this entire celebration.
In this context, Padilla urged the brotherhoods to avoid scheduling conflicts in an increasingly intense Rocío agenda, thereby encouraging greater participation. He also emphasized the importance of carefully managing communication on social media and warned about the use of artificial intelligence in posters and announcements, requesting special caution when the image of the Virgin is included.
During the meeting, the need to maintain devotion in the preparatory cults for Pentecost in this final stretch towards the pilgrimage was highlighted. Likewise, the call for respect for the Doñana environment during the journeys was reiterated, an aspect already deeply ingrained in the consciousness of the Rocío pilgrims, but one that was insisted upon as part of the shared commitment to the conservation of these spaces so closely linked to the experience of El Rocío.
The assembly also served as the official presentation of Juan de los Santos Cano as the Elder Brother of the Matriz Brotherhood for the Romería del Rocío 2026, following his election last Easter Sunday. Cano expressed his honor and the responsibility he assumes, stating his desire to live this journey as a mission of service and his willingness to ensure that the pilgrimage, officially beginning on May 22, proceeds in harmony.
Issues related to the next Rocío year were also addressed, which will be marked by the transfer of the Virgen del Rocío to Almonte, where she will remain for nine months. This period will coincide with the Jubilee Year and will move the ordinary life of the Sanctuary to the Parish of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción. Progress was made in planning this time and defining the calendar of extraordinary pilgrimages, which must adapt to this exceptional context.
The day took place at the Hotel La Malvasía and was attended by officials from the administrations involved in the Plan Romero operation. This allowed for the coordination of decisions and progress on key aspects for the upcoming pilgrimage. Attendees included the mayor of Almonte, Francisco Bella; the president of the Huelva Provincial Council, David Toscano; the deputy minister of the Presidency of the Junta de Andalucía, Tomás Burgos, as well as representatives from the Guardia Civil, 061, Local Police, and 112, among other entities collaborating in the organization and security of El Rocío.
