The events in honor of Saint José María Rubio, which span the entire weekend, culminate on Sunday, May 3, with a massive procession through the town's streets. The Dalías Town Council collaborates closely with the brotherhood for the organization of the religious services, which began on Thursday, April 30, with a floral offering and a review of the saint's life.
The festivities include a triduum, featuring masses and musical performances. The first night of the triduum took place on Friday, May 1, with the participation of the Cristo de la Luz Choir. The second night is held on Saturday, with another mass and an organ performance by Luis Craviotto. Sunday, the main day, will feature a mass and a performance by the Coral Valle de Dalías, before the saint's procession at 8:00 PM, accompanied by the Daliense Music and Culture Association and various provincial and regional authorities.
In addition to the religious ceremonies, the weekend offers recreational activities. The brotherhood has set up bars in the Plaza de las Flores, where attendees can enjoy food, drinks, and live music. Saturday night will feature a prominent performance by King África, generating great anticipation throughout the region.
“"There is great anticipation both in Dalías and throughout the region, and we hope the square, which can hold several thousand people, will be full."
This year, the festivities in honor of the saint coincide with the celebrations of the May Crosses, leading to a special joint program. The traditional pilgrimage to the Cerro de la Santa Cruz, held on Sunday, May 3, starting at 8:30 AM, holds particular significance this year. A new stone cross, funded by the residents, has been installed to replace the old wooden cross that was toppled by a series of storms earlier in the year.
“"The residents contributed, each according to their means, to purchase the new cross, and the Town Council hired the company responsible for carrying out the work, transporting it, installing it, and beautifying the area."
A significantly larger turnout is expected for this year's pilgrimage to witness the blessing of the new cross, given the community's involvement in its funding. Following the blessing, a communal breakfast will be held with products contributed by the residents.
Devotion to Saint José María Rubio has grown considerably since his canonization in 2003, attracting more faithful each year, especially from the region and from Madrid, where the saint carried out much of his pastoral work.
