The program, designed for all audiences, aims to strengthen local traditions and encourage citizen participation, as explained by Fuentes. Although the traditional Domingos de Banderas (Flag Sundays) will continue, the council has placed special emphasis on enriching the cultural and participatory offerings.
Activities will begin on April 9 with the inauguration of the exhibition 'Materiales de azulejo: escenas romeras del camino' at the old church of Santa Marina. Organized by the Real e Ilustre Cofradía Matriz and Azulejos Dprint, the exhibition will remain open throughout the month, and funds raised from the sale of works will be donated to the Cofradía Matriz for the upcoming VIII Centenary.
On April 10, several events will be held, including the second edition of “Poemas y canciones a la Virgen” by the Asociación Cultural Anduxar at the Ermita de la Virgen de la Cabeza, the presentation of the Peña El Puro poster, and the launch of Juan Antonio García Mesas's album 'Al compás del alma' in Santa Marina.
Between April 13 and 16, highlights include the presentation of the magazine 'Mirando al Santuario' by the Cofradía Matriz, the children's proclamation by Isidoro Vilaplana, a conference organized by the Asociación Cultural Ecuestre La Garrocha de Sierra Morena, and the free screening of the documentary 'Reina Morena', directed by Ana Vico.
On April 17, the Romero del Año and Romero de Oro awards will be presented, honoring Civil Protection of Andújar and Rafael Expósito, respectively. On April 18, the Teatro Principal will host the Pilgrimage Proclamation, delivered by Francisco Carriscondo Esquivel, featuring a new free ticket reservation system available from April 14.
The program also includes the blessing of the horse on April 19, coinciding with the third Domingo de Banderas, organized by the Asociación Cultural Ecuestre La Garrocha de Sierra Morena. The main week will feature a youth proclamation, the traditional exhibition of sevillanas and fandangos romeros “Manolo Lópiz”, the school pilgrimage, and a free concert by Juanlu Montoya in the Plaza de España.
The events will culminate with the traditional acts of the Pilgrimage, such as the flower offering, the reception of filial brotherhoods, the ascent to the Sanctuary, and the processional departure of the Virgen de la Cabeza. As a technological innovation, the City Council will once again implement a GPS system to track the route of the brotherhoods and the procession in real-time, facilitating monitoring for residents and visitors.
“"To offer a prelude to the Pilgrimage with activities aimed at all audiences, strengthening our traditions and promoting citizen participation."




