The different brotherhoods begin their pilgrimage to El Rocío from different parts of Andalusia days or even weeks beforehand. The brotherhoods arrive in the village and a night of singing, prayers, and joy ensues.
🌿 What is El Rocío?:
It is a pilgrimage in honor of the Virgin of El Rocío, patron saint of Almonte (Huelva), which combines religious devotion, tradition, and celebration.
Pilgrims, also called rocieros, travel in carts, on horseback, or on foot to the village of El Rocío (Huelva), in the heart of Doñana Park.
It is a celebration full of music (sevillanas rocieras), dancing, traditional costumes (such as women wearing flamenco dresses), and a festive atmosphere, and is open to all social classes.
This is the approximate schedule for El Rocío 2025
Wednesday, June 4 in Almonte
- 9:30 a.m.: The Hermano Mayor collects the Simpecado at the Parish of the Assumption
- 10:00 a.m.: The Pilgrims' Mass is held at Alto del Molinillo del Chaparral.
- Then the procession of the Hermano Mayor takes place through the streets of Almonte, accompanied by horsemen, men and women dressed in Rocio costumes.
- 12:30 p.m.: Hundreds of pilgrims set out along the Camino de los Llanos towards the village of El Rocío.
The brotherhood will arrive in El Rocío at dusk to welcome the rest of the subsidiary brotherhoods during the pilgrimage.
Thursday, June 5in El Rocío at 11:00 a.m., Mass at the Sanctuary of El Rocío with the attendance of the Hermandad Matriz de Almonte
Friday, June 6 in El Rocío
- At 11:00 a.m., Mass at the Sanctuary of El Rocío with the attendance of the Hermandad Matriz de Almonte
- At 6:00 p.m., Solemn Reception of Brotherhoods in front of the Main Door of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of El Rocío, with the attendance of the Hermandad Matriz.
Saturday, June 7 in El Rocío
- At 11:00 a.m.: Mass at the Sanctuary with the Matriz Brotherhood in attendance.
- At 12:00 p.m., the presentation of the Brotherhoods continues in order of seniority.
- At 12:00 a.m.: Prayer of the Holy Rosary called 'de Almonte' presided over by the simpecado of the Matriz Brotherhood along the traditional route.
Sunday, June 8 in El Rocío
- At 10:00 a.m.: Solemn Pontifical Mass on the promenade of the marshes, in front of the Sanctuary. All the brotherhoods will attend this Mass with their simpecados (simpecados), which will be accompanied musically by the Choir of the Brotherhood of Our Lady of El Rocío de Málaga.
- At 8:00 p.m.: Mass for drummers, carters, and rocket-makers.
- At 12:00 a.m.: The Precession of the Holy Rosary takes place, in which, presided over by the Parent Brotherhood, all the Subsidiary Brotherhoods participate with their simpecados and insignia, processing through the streets of the village.
- Then, the Solemn Salve is sung by the Choir of Our Lady of Rocío de Murcia.
Monday, June 9
The early hours of June 9 are the day that generates the most excitement of the entire celebration; It is the Jump to the Presbytery Gate, with the purpose of removing the Virgin from the hermitage to be carried in procession on the shoulders of the people of Almonte on Monday morning, where she will visit the simpecados of all the subsidiary brotherhoods. Pentecost Saturday: Procession of the Virgin through the streets of the village.
🎉 What to expect in 2025:
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected, including brotherhoods from all over Spain and even international ones.
Flamenco Night: In the streets of the village, the brotherhood houses are filled with singing and revelry.
Emotional Procession: The highlight is when the Virgin is carried on shoulders and the devotees shout "Long live the White Dove!" (one of the Virgin's affectionate names).
🏨 Tips if you plan to go:
Book in advance: The village fills up quickly and THE SUN PLACES can offer you accommodation.
Pack comfortable clothes: The road is dusty (or muddy if it rains) and the nights can be cool.
Respect tradition: Although there is a lot of celebration, El Rocío is, above all, a religious event for many.
If you plan to attend, you will live a unique experience full of fervor, folklore, and joy!