The Rocío Brotherhood of Granada began its annual pilgrimage to the Almonteña village this Saturday, departing from the Church of San Pedro y San Pablo. The event saw a massive turnout of thousands of devotees who accompanied the 'simpecado' on its journey.
The procession, which started earlier than in previous years, headed towards the Basilica of Our Lady of Sorrows (Virgen de las Angustias). There, the traditional Rocío 'salve' was performed before the city's patron saint, an emotional moment for the pilgrims.
The brotherhood's distinctive silver float passed through emblematic Granadan streets such as Plaza Nueva, Reyes Católicos, Acera del Darro, and Carrera de la Virgen, cheered by thousands of attendees along the route.
After the urban route, the brotherhood moved to La Chana for the traditional lunch. Subsequently, they began their journey towards Loja, their first planned overnight stop for Saturday.
The arrival at the El Rocío village is expected next Thursday. The days leading up to the official presentations, scheduled for Friday, will be filled with significant moments for the pilgrims.
The pilgrimage's highlight for the participants will be the early hours of Pentecost Sunday, with the traditional 'jump over the fence' ('salto de la reja') to commence the procession of the Blanca Paloma.
