that is not the question. The Romeria is the most unforgettable of all Andalusian experiences.
If you don't have a Romeria on your resumé yet, start asking around in your village or region.
You will not be the only one. Around this time of the year the questions are buzzing everywhere in inland Andalusia: which Romeria will I join? Who can I convince to go with me?
And from there: on foot or organise a car for a whole group? Which drinks will I carry, will we come home in the evening or stay over for the night?
And then, just go with the flow.
What is a Romeria?
In the heart, a Romeria is a religious pilgrimage.
The word comes from 'Romero', which stands for someone who travels towards Rome.
In all the villages, towns and cities of Andalusia there is one Romeria: a Catholic celebration that consists of a trip (by car, on horseback or on foot) of anywhere between a few hours and a full day - that ends at a sanctuary or hermitage.
Here, a party can take place, and in many a village people bring tents with them for the party to go on for a second day.
The precise trip depends on the local patron saint. For example, San Isidro is the patron saint of agriculture, so in villages that rely heavily on agriculture the trip will go towards the sanctuary of San Isidro.
In another village it can be dedicated to the Virgin de la Oliva.
Why join a Romeria?
Every expat who has ever joined the trip of a Romeria, will tell you it's one of the nicest things they have ever done in Andalucia.
Many count the travel as the important, fun and romantic part of the pilgrimage.
Though Catholic in its origins, it's very festive, a feel good experience unlike any other. Yes, there's the Andalusian love for socialising, for drinking and dancing and celebrating life, but also a welcoming group feel: a time for quarrels and recriminations to be forgotten.
That does not mean it should not be treated with respect! A fight or any other sign of disrespect for the Patron Saint, the community itself or the festive ambiance is not accepted.
During one or two days the world is a very tolerant, pleasant, peaceful place.
Where can you find a Romeria?
Everywhere. Ask around in your community when the most nearby Romeria takes place. The more local you go, the more familiar faces you will see and the more social contact you will have.
The most famous of all is the ROMERIA OF EL ROCIO
Correctly put: the Romeria of Nuestra Señora del Rocio.
This massive happening attracting around one million pilgrims, takes place at the Sanctuary of the Virgen del Rocio in the village of the Rocio in Almonte, Huelva. The pilgrims come from throughout Andalusia (and nowadays also from all over Spain and beyond) and typically travel one to seven days beforehand, generally sleeping outdoors.
Enjoy!
We so wish we could join you all - unfortunately one can only be at one Romeria at a time.
Enjoy yours... and the whole of that magnificent month of May.
the best time to travel to Spain is in Easter you learn more about culture. I was in Santa semana in a city called Alicante. There was a new one every evening for a week. when it's warmer you get to sit outside in the evening and enjoy a nice cold beer with friends.
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