The Romería, a traditional pilgrimage in Andalusia, is more than a religious event. It is a celebration where faith, tradition, and friendships go hand in hand. It is an experience that should not be missed if you want to experience the real Andalusia. We tell you about the origins of pilgrimages, the Romerías near Finca Las Nuevas and the most special Romería in Andalusia.

The History of the Romería

The origins of the Romería go back to the Middle Ages. Pilgrims then travelled long distances to shrines to ask for forgiveness, show their faith or fulfil a promise. Originally, this was a pilgrimage to Rome. Hence, Romería is derived from the word ‘Romero’, meaning pilgrim. Later, the meaning of Romería expanded to include several forms of a religious pilgrimage.

The Romería has also developed into a festive event that seamlessly combines faith, tradition, folklore and community spirit. A Romería in Andalusia is often dedicated to the veneration of the Virgin Mary or the local patron saint.

What is a Romería?

As we mentioned, a Romería is a pilgrimage in honour of a patron saint. Today, you can still experience a Romería in many villages in Andalusia.

On the day of the patron saint, a statue of the patron saint is placed on a throne and accompanied by horsemen and amazons, carriages and carts pulled by bulls to a church, chapel or monastery outside the village.

The departure of the (patron) saint is started according to a certain ceremony. The saint’s throne is decorated with flower arrangements, and there are flag bearers who walk in front of the throne or go on horseback. Then, the throne is followed by decorated carriages and carts pulled by horses, bulls or tractors.

The local marching band provides music, and often, the various carriages also carry their own. When the patron saint has reached her destination, a mass is held, and a social gathering begins. Villagers gather, and while enjoying a snack and a drink, they chat with friends and acquaintances or go dancing.

Where and when can you watch a Romería in Andalusia?

The Romerías you can visit from Finca Las Nuevas are listed below. We also mention two very special Romerías.

Romería Virgen de las Flores in Álora

Virgen de las flores is the patron saint of Álora. Every year, on the Sunday before 30 August, the image of the Nuestra Señora is taken from the convent and brought to the church in the village via a procession.

On the Sunday after 8 September, the image of the patron saint returns to the Convento de Flores via a pilgrimage from ide Iglesia de la Encarnación (10 am)  in the village. The convent Nuestra Señora dates back to the 16th century, and in the 18th century, it was expanded, and the Belfry was built over the bell tower. It is said to be where Christian troops were stationed during the city’s recapture from the Moors, who held Álora’s fortress.

The new inhabitants of Álora, who came from the villages of Cumbres Bajas and Encinasola, asked Queen Isabel la Católica for a statue of the Virgin Nuestra Señora, Our Lady of Flores, to venerate in the new building, as was also in der church of Encinasola.

The statue, from 1502 by an unknown artist, holds a sceptre in her right hand, while in her left, she carries the delicate figure of the baby Jesus. The latter was probably added to the Virgin in the 18th century, as both the joyful gestures and the small turtledove in her left hand suggest such a chronology.

The first Romería was held in 1922. Many soldiers from Álora had fought in a war in Africa. Their families had prayed a lot at the Virgen de las Flores. The soldiers returning home carried the image in a procession to the convent.

In 1925, the Romería was officially instituted. The idea was to transport the Virgin by cart from the village to her temple. Followed by carts with families and friends, and then spent the day at the convent with music, singing and food.

Romería San Isidro in Cártama and Almogía and other villages

San Isidro is the saint of peasants, and its ‘birthday’ is annually on 15 May. This day is celebrated with a Romería in many villages in Andalusia on a Sunday around 15 May.

In Cártama de Estación, you can encounter the Romería on the main street, where they head towards the church or gather by the river next to the bridge.

The village of Almogía is also near Finca Las Nuevas. Here, the Romería starts in the village, and later, the carriages, carts, riders, and amazons can be found at the feria grounds just outside the village.

Other places that have a Romería in honour of San Isidro are: Montefrio, Estepona, Pozoblanco, Santa Eufemia, Santa Elena, Alameda, Cuevas del Campo, Villafranca de Cordoba, Jodar, Alfarnate, Alfarnatejo, Algatocín, Archidona, Ardales, Benamocarra, Cuevas Bajas, Cuevas del Becerro, Guaro, Jubrique, Nerja, Periana, Sierra de Yeguas Teba and the village of San Isidro.

Romería San Miguel in Torremolinos

The Romería in Torremolinos takes place annually in September on the Sunday before the Feria. The Romería is known as Andalusia’s most important urban Romería. The procession starts in the village, after which a huge procession of carriages, carts, horsemen and amazons makes its way to the Ermita de San Miguel. A small chapel idyllically situated among olive and pine trees. For more information.

Romería La Virgen de la Cabeza in Ronda

The day of the patron saint, La Virgen de la Cabeza, is celebrated on the last Sunday in April. In Andujar in Jaen province, this day is celebrated very grandly with a procession of more than 30 kilometres through the forests.

In Ronda, the day is celebrated on a smaller scale with photogenic pilgrimages.

Romería El Rocío in El Rocío

The pilgrimage of El Rocío – popularly known as El Rocío- is a Romería that has even been declared a cultural heritage site in 2023. The Romería takes place on Whit Sunday in May or June. Hundreds of thousands of devotees come from far and wide to worship Saint El Rocío de Almonte together in the village of El Rocío de Almonte.

Some spend days on the road with their carriages and carts. The last part of the route goes through the La Doñana national park.

What is special about the village of El Rocío is that it is a small pilgrimage site with a huge church. The streets in the village are dirt roads, giving the village a feeling as if you were in the Wild West.

Experiencing real Spanish life?

Visiting a Romería gives a great insight into daily life in Andalusia. The pilgrimage is not set up as entertainment for tourists, and we love seeing how young and old come together on such a day. Some are more religious than others, but it gives a nice insight into Spanish life. So, how nice is it to stay in a converted olive farmhouse in the middle of the mountains near Málaga? Finca Las Nuevas is in a great spot, where you have stunning views of olive and almond trees from the terrace and the Sierra de las Nieves mountains in the distance. If you are curious about the holiday homes, read on here.