The Romería del Rocío de Huelva is one of the most famous and well-attended festivals in Spain. The devotees of different brotherhoods go on pilgrimages along the various paths that lead to the doors of the hermitage and do so by cart, on horseback or on foot.
El Rocío, a town full of charm
El Rocío is a small village in Huelva that is well worth visiting. Thousands of pilgrims arrive there with the intention of venerating the White Dove virgin and for this reason they participate in the popular pilgrimage.
If you are planning a trip to Huelva, don't miss one of the most charming municipalities in the province of Andalusia. The Hermitage of Rocío is a must see, with its incredible baroque altarpiece and the aforementioned revered idol, the Virgen del Rocío, which was sculpted in the 13th century.
The streets are decorated with facades in dove-white, sandy yellow and earthy colours, and there are many shops in which to buy a real gypsy costume. The world of horses is something that is very present here and it is possible to visit Doñana natural park.
Festive atmosphere in the Romería del Rocío
The festive atmosphere in the air at this pilgrimage is unique. The village of El Rocío hosts this celebration where festival and religiosity come together. The brotherhoods are counted by the hundreds and there are thousands and thousands of visitors who live this pilgrimage intensely.
The Rocío pilgrimage takes place about 50 days after Easter and is attended by people from all over the world. Their destination is the sanctuary of the White Dove, located in this small town.
A few days before, different brotherhoods from different provinces such as Seville, Cádiz and Huelva travel to El Rocío in order not to miss the pilgrimage. During this trip, the brotherhoods sing songs and joyfulness spreads among them. At night they camp out in the open air, where they organise parties until the early hours of the morning.
There are four different routes that are usually taken. The brotherhoods that come from Cádiz usually go along the Sanlúcar road, crossing the Doñana National Park. Those who come from Huelva usually take the Moguer route. The way of the plains, from Almonte, is the oldest, while the rest of the brotherhoods use the Sevillian path.
On Saturday the "Simpecado" or banner that is presented before the Virgin takes place. On Sunday, more religious events are held, continuing at night with the ‘salto de la verja’ or ‘jumping of the fence’, where the Virgin is taken out of the hermitage to be carried on her shoulders. Once the procession is over, the brotherhoods all make their way back home.
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