The bells of the ancient collegiate church of San Andrés in Baeza signaled the start of the Paschal Mission of the Virgen del Alcázar. This pilgrimage, set to unfold throughout April, aims to spiritually prepare the faithful for one of the most significant religious events in the city's history: the Canonical and Pontifical Coronation of its Patroness.

As dusk fell, bathed in a golden light that enveloped the streets of the historic quarter, the image of the Virgin was raised on the floats of the Cofradía de la Vera Cruz to begin its first transfer. The expectant silence of the gathered crowd was occasionally broken by emotional shouts of «¡Viva la Virgen del Alcázar!» and by silent tears among the devotees waiting on the sidewalks, adorned with pots and flowers. Floral offerings, incense, petal showers from balconies, and the presence of the sick who wished to meet the image, which represents solace and hope for many baezanos, were all present.

During this initial journey, the Virgen del Alcázar visited the parishes of San Andrés and El Salvador, accompanied by the city's brotherhoods and fraternities, which are an inseparable part of baezana popular devotion. The image will remain in the Parroquia de El Salvador until next Friday, where the faithful are called to participate in Eucharists and community evangelization celebrations that will mark this mission, an invitation to the entire Church of Baeza to go forth, hand in hand with Mary, to meet the Risen Christ.

The Paschal Mission will continue over the coming weeks, with the Virgen del Alcázar successively visiting each parish community in the city. This itinerary aims to revitalize faith and strengthen the cohesion of the baezano faithful around their Patroness. Each transfer will offer a new opportunity for residents of each neighborhood to welcome the Virgin into their streets, their temples, and, above all, their homes.

The popular fervor that accompanied this first transfer foreshadows weeks of intense religious emotion in a city preparing to experience with deep devotion one of the most significant acts in its history: the Canonical Coronation of the image that, for centuries, has presided over the spiritual life of Baeza and will soon receive the highest recognition that the Catholic Church grants to a Marian image.