El Rocío in Seville
Every year, Seville prepares for the start of one of the most emblematic and eagerly awaited pilgrimages in Spain: the road to the village of El Rocío. Thousands of devotees, dressed in gypsy costumes and wide-brimmed hats, gather to accompany the wagons that set off for the village.
From Seville to Huelva
The pilgrimage to El Rocío is a journey in honour of the Virgen del Rocío, patron saint of Almonte (Huelva). Over the course of several days, pilgrims travel more than 60 kilometres on foot, on horseback or in carts, crossing the paths and marshes that lead to the village. This itinerary becomes a physical and spiritual challenge, where the pilgrims demonstrate their fervour and dedication.
One of the Spanish cities from which most brotherhoods depart is Seville. The city fills these days with faith, celebration and tradition. There is a different atmosphere: carts, flamingos and horses start the journey together with their brotherhoods, ready for the pilgrimage.
Brotherhoods set the pace
Of the city’s six brotherhoods, Triana is one of the best known and most loved, with around 5,500 pilgrims. Together they walk the path on which they carry the brotherhood’s simpecado, in a luxurious cart pulled by oxen. It is one of the most famous for its singing, dancing and Sevillanas.
But it is not only from Triana that wagons set off; in the parish of El Salvador its brotherhood also sets off, bringing together some 2,000 pilgrims and travelling through the centre of the city. And in the neighbourhoods, the Hermandad del Cerro del Águila and Rocío de la Macarena, start the procession that accompanies each simpecado.
Alongside these, Seville has smaller brotherhoods, such as the Rocío Castrense or Sevilla Sur, completing the list of groups that make this route from Seville.
Faith, tradition and celebration
The road to El Rocío is much more than a simple pilgrimage; it is a journey where emotions overflow and experiences become indelible memories. During the journey, there is an atmosphere of camaraderie and brotherhood, where the pilgrims support each other, sing sevillanas and pray together. Laughter, singing and weeping mingle in a whirlwind of mixed feelings.
As the pilgrims make their way, they pass through beautiful natural landscapes, cross streams and wade through marshes. The encounters with other brotherhoods, the moments of rest on the paths, the stops at the hermitages and the arrival at the different camping sites become memorable milestones on this journey.
The arrival at the village of El Rocío, the last stretch of the route, is a moment of ecstasy and indescribable emotion, where the effort of the whole journey is rewarded with drums and palms. A journey that transcends time and distance and ends when the brotherhoods are back home.
