{"id":17667,"date":"2024-09-28T12:07:25","date_gmt":"2024-09-28T12:07:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fincalasnuevas.com\/?p=17667"},"modified":"2024-09-28T13:16:09","modified_gmt":"2024-09-28T13:16:09","slug":"the-romeria-a-pilgrimage-in-andalusia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fincalasnuevas.com\/en\/the-romeria-a-pilgrimage-in-andalusia\/","title":{"rendered":"The Romer\u00eda, a pilgrimage in Andalusia"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Romer\u00eda, 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 Romer\u00edas near Finca Las Nuevas and the most special Romer\u00eda in Andalusia. <\/strong><\/p>\n

The History of the Romer\u00eda <\/strong><\/h2>\n

The origins of the Romer\u00eda 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, Romer\u00eda is derived from the word \u2018Romero\u2019, meaning pilgrim. Later, the meaning of Romer\u00eda expanded to include several forms of a religious pilgrimage.<\/p>\n

The Romer\u00eda has also developed into a festive event that seamlessly combines faith, tradition, folklore and community spirit. A Romer\u00eda in Andalusia is often dedicated to the veneration of the Virgin Mary or the local patron saint.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

What is a Romer\u00eda? <\/strong><\/h2>\n

As we mentioned, a Romer\u00eda is a pilgrimage in honour of a patron saint. Today, you can still experience a Romer\u00eda in many villages in Andalusia.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Horsemen<\/p>\n

Where and when can you watch a Romer\u00eda in Andalusia? <\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Romer\u00edas you can visit from Finca Las Nuevas are listed below. We also mention two very special Romer\u00edas.<\/p>\n

Romer\u00eda Virgen de las Flores in \u00c1lora <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Virgen de las flores is the patron saint of \u00c1lora. Every year, on the Sunday before 30 August, the image of the Nuestra Se\u00f1ora is taken from the convent and brought to the church in the village via a procession.<\/p>\n

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 Encarnaci\u00f3n (10 am) \u00a0in the village. The convent Nuestra Se\u00f1ora 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 \u00c1lora’s fortress.<\/p>\n

The new inhabitants of \u00c1lora, who came from the villages of Cumbres Bajas and Encinasola, asked Queen Isabel la Cat\u00f3lica for a statue of the Virgin Nuestra Se\u00f1ora, Our Lady of Flores, to venerate in the new building, as was also in der church of Encinasola.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Virgen<\/p>\n

The first Romer\u00eda was held in 1922. Many soldiers from \u00c1lora 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.<\/p>\n

In 1925, the Romer\u00eda 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.<\/p>\n