Lucena Pilgrimage
In Lucena spring without the Virgin of Araceli´s is unthinkable. She marks the beginning with her arrival. On the next to last Sunday in April, the pilgrimage is held to bring down the image from its sanctuary to the city carried on the backs of its caretakers and followed by a devout multitude, passing through a rugged landscape. At seven in the evening the image is received in Puerta de la Mina and is transferred to the main parish church of San Mateo.
The Friday before the first Sunday in May is celebrated with
proclamations and the Saturday before the first Sunday in May
with floral offerings. This is one of the most beautiful ceremonies
and one that demonstrates the fervour of Lucena and its faith
in her Virgin. The next day the image starts on the procession
at six in the evening through the main streets of the town. The
first Sunday in June the Virgin´s return pilgrimage to the
Aras Sanctuary begins, followed by horsemen and beautifully decorated
floats.