Romería de Chircales

Description

Tradition holds that some cloth merchants arrived at a hermits' cave and that one of the fabrics bore the image of a crucified Christ, which they gave to the anchorites. Admiration for this image grew among the townspeople, and a sanctuary was built for it. Ever since, the people of Valdepeñas have travelled there on the first Sunday of May to attend the procession of the Image and spend a festive day, a blend of heartfelt spirituality and wholesome enjoyment, surrounded by scenery of incomparable beauty.

This pilgrimage has been held for many years and is one of the most cherished in the entire province. Given the date on which it falls, the first Sunday of May, it is one of the most beautiful pilgrimages one can attend. As tradition dictates, a Mass is usually held, after which the Holy Christ is taken back to his hermitage, followed by a lovely, relaxed day spent with family or friends. Many groups organise themselves throughout the area to hold picnics and enjoy a wonderful day surrounded by nature, since the area boasts abundant vegetation, water, mountains and camping spots.