Pilgrimage of the Virgen de la Cabeza

Description

The Pilgrimage of the Virgen de la Cabeza, held right in the heart of the Sierra Morena, is an impressive display of Marian devotion, decorated with the colourful standards and flags of each of the brotherhoods arriving from all over Spain. It is considered one of the oldest pilgrimages in Spain and also one of the largest.

It is held on the last Sunday of April, with hundreds of pilgrims making a pilgrimage that weekend to the sanctuary, located on the Cerro del Cabezo, preceded by a week full of liturgical, cultural and festive events, which also allow visitors to enjoy the Andújar natural park. Sunday is the main day, with the procession of La Morenita around the sanctuary grounds.

PILGRIMAGE THURSDAY
The Pilgrimage is an impressive display of Marian devotion, beginning a week earlier with the opening address and the blessing of the pilgrimage horse, though the main events are held from Thursday to Sunday. Thursday begins with the proclamation and the flag ceremony in the morning. In the afternoon, the Virgin is moved in procession to the Plaza de España, followed by the floral offering.

PILGRIMAGE FRIDAY
In the afternoon, the affiliated brotherhoods are received in Andújar. The Real Cofradía Matriz de Andújar, together with the city's mayor, welcomes in the Jardines de Colón all those who will climb to the Sanctuary the following day, extending a warm welcome. This marks the start of a parade through the city's main streets to the Town Hall, where a Salve is sung.

PILGRIMAGE SATURDAY
On Saturday morning, the Cofradía Matriz parades through the city's streets, with riders, horsewomen, mules and pack-saddles. The festive atmosphere of the departure continues along the route to the Hermitage of San Ginés, the first stop of the day, before continuing on to "Lugar Nuevo", where lunch is taken before continuing the journey towards the Sanctuary.
At the same time, very early in the morning, the ox-carts set off towards the Sanctuary. Upon arrival at the Sanctuary, the brotherhoods take turns presenting themselves before the Image. Throughout the night, an intimate closeness with the Blessed Virgin can be felt in her chamber. Inside the church, participation in the Masses and rosaries held is massive.

PILGRIMAGE SUNDAY
Sunday is the main day, the culmination of the festival, with the solemn Eucharist of the brotherhoods held at the Sanctuary, followed by the procession of the Virgen de la Cabeza, which, after a four-hour route, returns to her chamber.

PILGRIMAGE MONDAY
Monday marks the end of the Pilgrimage. In the morning, the Cofradía Matriz holds a Mass of Thanksgiving and the farewell ceremony. Afterwards, the ox-carts and brotherhoods begin their return journey, arriving back in Andújar in the afternoon. At night, a solemn Salve of Thanksgiving is held at the Hermitage.