Romeria Del Rocio Festival

Friday, 04 July 2008

This festival takes place over this weekend and is a traditional cebration for Andalucians in the area. The Fiesta dates back to 15th century when a hunter found a statue of the Virgin mary in a treetrunk near the marshes and it was claimed the it had powers to cure disease, infertility and mental disorders. Travellers are traditionally known as Romeros and must travel to the site of the festivalon foot, with carts or horses - no motorised vehicles are allowed.

Here in Javea we have had a thriving Andalucian population for centuries who have continued their traditions.On Friday the fesitivites begin with revellers camping out in Pinosol Park and building their stage. Here stalls sell traditional foods and drink throughout the weekend. During the festival a Queen and 2 attendants and a child queen and 2 attendants are elected.

They head up the procession of walkers, horses and carts that accompany the image of the virgin on her route form the town to the Pinosol Park on Saturday. The ladies dress in their traditional ruffled flamenco gowns and the men wear wide brimmed bolero hats and and traditional short cropped jackets.The gathering in the park is like a family reunion and carnival all mixed up.

In the evening of Saturday the entertainment begins with traditional singing and dancing into the small hours.
As with all fiestas in Spain firecrackers are about in abundance, especially for the early morning wake up calls. The Virgin is returned to her resting place on Sunday.

If you can get out and about the procession itself is a colourful and passes from the toown along the Cabo la Nao road at around 11 am on Saturday. The Andalucians are mainly responsible for the flamenco dancing and passionate love ballads which are so often associated with the whole of Spain The festivities and stalls in the park are open to all, so if you have some time on Saturday evening it is well worth a visit and you will be made most welcome.