The El Rocío pilgrimage takes its first steps with the departure of the Écija and Osuna brotherhoods from the province of Seville. Both began their journey around 10:00 AM from their respective churches, marking the start of the countdown to one of Andalusia's most emblematic events.

The Écija affiliate, celebrating its 50th pilgrimage, started its day at 9:00 AM with a pilgrims' mass at the Church of Santa María, officiated by the auxiliary bishop of Seville, Teodoro León. After the ceremony, the route included visits to key points in the town such as the Plaza de España and the Santa Cruz church, where the Virgen del Valle, patron saint of Écija, is venerated.

The itinerary for the Écija brotherhood includes significant moments such as the baptism of new pilgrims in the Corbones River and the crossing of the Guadalquivir in Coria del Río, before their expected arrival at the village on Saturday, May 6th.

Meanwhile, the Osuna El Rocío Brotherhood, godmother to that of Écija, also began its pilgrims' mass at 9:00 AM, presided over by the founder and spiritual director, Fray Manuel Jurado Perea. Osuna's route will pass through various streets of the municipality, including a visit to the Hermitage of San Arcadio, before bidding farewell to the town at the 'hondón'.

Both corporations have highlighted the affection received in the municipalities they pass through, with La Puebla de Cazalla being the location of their first stop. Both brotherhoods are expected to arrive at the Almonte village on Saturday, May 6th, after eight days of pilgrimage accompanying the Simpecado.