geobeats on Feb 18, 2011 The Virgin of El Rocío (also known as Madonna of El Rocío or Our Lady of El Rocío, Spanish: Virgen del Rocío, Nuestra Señora del Rocío; also, formerly, Nuestra Señora de los Remedios or Santa María de las Rocinas[1]) is a … [More]

geobeats on Feb 18, 2011 In the quiet village of El Rocio in Andalusia Spain is a newly constructed hermitage built on a sacred location. The area was deemed an official hermitage site around 1270 by King Alfonso the Wise in honor of the Virgin Mary. The elaborate cross topping this pristine structure comes from the 17th century and previously belonged to the revered Barrio Santacruz. The gleaming white structure was constructed in the mid 20th century by two Spanish architects over two decades. Millions of pilgrims flock to the hermitage on the second day of the Pentecost, a seven week celebration after Easter Sunday. Most people come from far away to celebrate El Rocio and camp among the crowded streets. When the annual pilgrimage occurs, the city comes to life with magnificent, ethereal decorations, singing, and dancing.