The city of Lucena is currently celebrating its festivities in honor of the Virgin of Araceli, a deeply rooted devotion among its inhabitants. However, this patronage, now firmly established, was once at the center of an intense dispute that lasted for decades.

In the 18th century, a significant movement in Lucena advocated for the patronage of Saint George. At that time, Lucena was a seigniorial domain under the control of the House of Medinaceli, whose dukes harshly exercised their privileges over the population. This situation led several Lucena families to seek emancipation from feudal rule, aspiring for the city to become directly dependent on the Crown.

The conflict, which spanned several decades, culminated in a resolution by the Real Chancillería de Granada in favor of those who wished to shake off seigniorial dominion. This struggle for autonomy also manifested in the religious sphere, dividing the population between supporters of Saint George, known as 'sanjorgistas', and defenders of Our Lady of Araceli, the 'aracelitanos'.

There was even an attempt to manipulate the date of a crucial historical event for Lucena: the Battle of Martín González, also known as the Battle of Lucena. The defeat of Boabdil at the hands of the Fernández de Córdoba, which occurred on April 20, 1483, was sought to be moved three days later to coincide with the feast day of Saint George, attributing to the saint a decisive influence in the Christian victory. This controversy even had heraldic repercussions, leading to the inclusion of Saint George in one of the quarters of the city's coat of arms.

Ultimately, the success of those who fought to cast off seigniorial rule was also the triumph of the 'aracelitanos' and the patronage of the Virgin of Araceli, whose image is venerated these days in the city and for the rest of the year at the summit of the Sierra de Aras.