The Pilgrimage of El Rocio 17th to May 20th 2024

GDN - The Pilgrimage of El Rocio, the largest in Spain and in Europe, is an event of great importance. Every year, nearly one million pilgrims from different parts of Spain gather in the small village of El Rocio, in the province of Huelva, to pay homage to Nuestra Señora del Rocio (Our Lady of Rocio).

The origins of this pilgrimage date back to the 13th century, when a group of shepherds discovered an image of the Virgin Mary near the Guadalquivir River. Since then, the pilgrimage has been held every year to pay homage to the Virgin of Rocio. During the pilgrimage, participants wear traditional clothing, sing religious hymns, and carry decorated floats with flowers and candles. The procession travels through the town of Almonte until reaching the sanctuary of the Virgin of Rocio, where a mass is celebrated and gifts are offered to the Madonna.

El Rocio is a picturesque village with dirt and sand streets that facilitate the movement of pilgrims, horses, and oxen. It is famous for hosting pilgrims celebrating Nuestra Señora del Rocio. During the Romería, pilgrims enter the hermitage of Nuestra Sra del Rocio to thank the Virgin. On Pentecost Monday, the last day of the pilgrimage, the incredible procession of Nuestra Señora de El Rocio, also nicknamed Blanca Paloma, La Pastora, and La Reina de las Marismas, is held.

El Rocio is located near the Doñana National Park, in the province of Huelva. If you are planning a trip to Andalusia, I recommend booking accommodation well in advance and exploring activities in the surroundings of El Rocio. The Pilgrimage of El Rocio is a traditional religious event held annually in the region of Andalusia, Spain. The Romería del Rocio is one of the most important and ancient pilgrimages in the country, during which thousands of people gather to honor the Madonna of Rocio.

In 2024, the Romería del Rocio will take place from May 17th to May 20th. During these days, pilgrims from all over Spain and beyond will set out on foot towards the sanctuary of El Rocio, located in the province of Huelva. Dressed in traditional attire and accompanied by their horses or carts, pilgrims will travel dozens of kilometers through the Andalusian countryside, singing, dancing, and praying along the way.

Once they arrive at their destination, pilgrims will participate in religious ceremonies, distribute wax and candles to the Madonna of Rocio, and take part in festivities that will last until dawn. The Romería del Rocio is a unique and intense experience that combines religious devotion with popular tradition and celebration.

Anyone who wants to experience this extraordinary blend of faith and tradition is invited to join the pilgrimage of El Rocio in May 2024 and share in the joy and spirituality of this ancient rite. In this edition of the pilgrimage of El Rocio, we at Foto ReD Photographic Agency will also be present to create a fantastic reportage that captures and tells the most beautiful moments of this religious celebration. Roberto Magni and Daniela Comi will be ready to photograph you. If you are planning a trip to Andalusia, I recommend booking accommodation well in advance and exploring activities in the surroundings of El Rocio.