LA VELÁ PILGRIMAGE. DON BENITO

Date: 12 October

The festivity of the Virgin of the Crosses on 12 October begins nine days before with the bringing of the Virgin to the town so that, during those nine days, the people can smother her with the joy of their close presence, accompanying her with prayers and the Eucharist.

The celebrations end with the candle of prayer on the eve of her departure (The Velá) and the festive farewell, once again accompanying her on foot to the hermitage, where the Eucharist is held and she is paraded amid shouts and the waving of handkerchiefs by the people of Don Benito. The party continues throughout the day; families and friends remain around the sanctuary sharing food, drink and the happiness of the day.