Pilgrimages and Procession
The devotional soul of the Moorish and Christian Festivals
Although fireworks, music, and parades shape the spectacle, the true heart of Villena’s Moors and Christians Festival beats to the rhythm of devotion to the Virgen de las Virtudes, the city’s patron saint. The pilgrimages and procession are deeply moving events, expressing the people’s faith, respect, and gratitude toward their Morenica.
A tradition that adapts without losing its essence
Until 2004, the traditional pilgrimage to bring the Virgin was celebrated on September 5th. Starting that year, it was decided to move it forward to the last Sunday in August, seeking to separate the more devotional events from the purely festive ones. Since then, that date marks the spiritual beginning of the festivities, with the solemn arrival of the Virgin from her Sanctuary to the town center of Villena.
Pilgrimage of the Virgen de las Virtudes
Last Sunday in August – Departure from the Sanctuary
The day begins with the departure of the Sacred Image of the Virgen de las Virtudes from her Sanctuary, surrounded by doves—released by the “Salvatierra” Pigeon Fancier Club—and musket salutes fired by the “Piratas”. On the way to Villena, there is a stop at the Hermitage of San Bartolomé for the traditional snack, after which the procession continues to the city.
The arrival at Plaza María Auxiliadora is one of the most anticipated moments. There, the Virgin is welcomed by authorities and the people with the Spanish National Anthem, an apotheosis of fireworks, the lighting of the festive lights, and new musket salutes by the captains of the “comparsas”, while the second lieutenants wave their flags.
The Virgin then enters the Church of the Salesian Fathers, where the Welcome Hymn is sung. From there, she begins a moving journey to the Archdeacon Church of Santiago, stopping at various churches and religious institutions, with acts of welcome, prayer, and homage. Finally, she is elevated to her throne on the High Altar, from where she will preside over religious and festive events until September 9.
Solemn Procession
September 8 – At dusk
The Solemn Procession in honour of the Virgen de las Virtudes is the most important and moving religious event of the festivities. The image, preceded by the comparsas, banner bearers, First Communion boys and girls, and civil and religious authorities, travels through the historic center in an atmosphere of contemplation, respect, and shared emotion.
The procession departs from the Church of Santiago, exiting through its main door after the comparsas enter through the side door. It passes through streets such as Párroco Azorín, Ramón y Cajal, Puerta Almansa, and other streets in the old town, until it reaches Plaza de Santiago.
There, one of the most solemn moments of the festivities takes place: the standard-bearers of the fourteen comparsas wave their flags while the notes of the Spanish National Anthem sound and arquebus salutes are fired. When the Virgin ascends to the throne, the Parish Choir sings the Gregorian Popular Salve, closing the event with a profound symbolic and emotional charge.
FAREWELL PILGRIMMAGE
September 9 – 7:30 a.m.
The last major event of the festivities is also one of the most moving: the Farewell Pilgrimage. At 7:30 a.m. on September 9, the Virgen de las Virtudes begins her return to the Sanctuary, accompanied by the arquebusiers of all the comparsas, from Old Moors to Christians.
Once the farewell shot is over, each group, along with their respective official marching bands, joins the procession. It is a moment of subdued emotions, of gratitude for what they have experienced, and of the promise to meet again the following year. The Virgin returns to her Sanctuary amidst the sounds of salutes, knowing glances, and the murmur of a people who bid her farewell with their hearts filled with celebration and devotion.