The Virgen de la Cabeza, Patron Saint of Motril, a carving over 500 years old, was Canonically Crowned in the year 2000. This recognition was granted due to the deep devotion the city holds for this advocation. In 2025, the twenty-fifth anniversary of this event was marked, celebrated with various commemorative acts.
As part of these celebrations, the Brotherhood of the Virgen de la Cabeza, in collaboration with the Motril City Council and the Granada Provincial Council, has promoted the creation of a book and a documentary. These materials explore the events related to this 25th anniversary. The official presentation of both projects took place in the consistory's Protocol Hall, and the public premiere will be on Friday, April 10 at 8:30 PM at the Teatro Calderón de la Barca.
Miguel Ángel Gállego, elder brother of the Brotherhood of the Virgen de la Cabeza, detailed the intricacies of the presentation. This event marks the closing of the scheduled agenda for the 25th anniversary, although the official closing already took place on Immaculate Conception Day last December.
“"The book is a great opportunity to get to know the patron saint through its extensive historical and scientific work. And the documentary is a journey of personal experiences."
The book covers topics such as the history of the Brotherhood, the global relevance of the Virgen de la Cabeza, and studies on the advocation in Andalusia. Meanwhile, the audiovisual material recalls the past through historical and contemporary figures, depicting the recent future, present, and past of the Brotherhood, with a focus on the last twenty-five years.
Gállego also emphasized the importance of bringing the Patron Saint closer to the citizens of Motril, mentioning historical events such as the first hand-kissing ceremony for the Señora de la Cabeza on February 9, 2025. He also highlighted the image's pilgrimages to different areas of the city, a practice that also occurred in 2000. During 2025, the Virgen de la Cabeza visited several ecclesiastical venues, even reaching places like San Antonio, where she had never been before.
“"More than 500 years ago, she chose to stay in Motril. We want Motril to see her, we want her to return to her people. The Floral Offering or August 15th are very beautiful, but the Sanctuary is open every day and she waits with open arms, like every mother, for us to visit her."
