The exhibitions, part of the institution's cultural program during July and August, alongside the training cycle “Summer Dialogues,” were deemed “significant” by the Matriz, especially considering they were only open from Fridays to Sundays. The highest attendance was concentrated on August weekends, supplemented by visits during activities held in the Hermitage House courtyard.
These initiatives have enriched the summer cultural offerings at the Hermitage House, a space adjacent to the Sanctuary, adding a complementary option to Rocío devotions and celebrations. The Hermandad Matriz emphasizes that this program allows for “opening new spaces to approach El Rocío, using art, culture, and training as other languages to understand and disseminate a devotion that is part of our identity”.
The exhibition “Sagrada” showcased Ricardo Gil's contemporary perspective on the visual memory of El Rocío and Almonte tradition, reinterpreting old photographs, scenes, and symbols through his unique pictorial language. Of the 21 works displayed, eleven were acquired, with a percentage of their sale allocated to the Social Work of the Hermandad Matriz.
Meanwhile, “Traslado” featured around twenty black and white photographs by Portuguese photographer Luis Henrique da Cruz. His external and personal viewpoint focused on the Coming of the Virgin, capturing the nocturnal atmosphere of the Los Llanos path, along with gestures and emotions.
Painting and photography coexisted for a significant part of the summer at the Hermitage House, offering two different perspectives on Rocío devotion. This program, driven by the Training Delegation of the Hermandad Matriz, reaffirms its commitment to cultural and educational initiatives that broaden ways of engaging with the history, heritage, and reality of El Rocío.
