Granada prepares for Spain’s highest pilgrimage

Monday(August 5) will see over 500 people gather at the summit of Mulhacen to celebrate the Saint Virgen de las Nieves in a traditional pilgrimage that is classed as the highest in the country.

The walk starts on Sunday in the beautiful village of Trevelez and walkers make their way up to Siete Lagunas where they will spend the night. The following day walkers are treated to views from one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the municipality as they make their way up to the destination of Barrio Alto de Trevelez.

There they will be greeted with water activities, bread tasting with sardines and pipirrana and verbena with music for all ages. The mayor of Trevelez, Víctor Exposito Fernandez announced this year’s event in a meeting with the councillor for Tourism, Regeneration, Justice and Local Administration of the Board in Granada, Gustavo Rodríguez.

History shows that the pilgrimage was started in 1717 when Valor’s beneficiary, Martin de Merida, accompanied by his servant Martin de Soto made the trip from Alpujarra to Granada. During the trip they took shelter from an immense storm. Frightened for their lives they made a prayer to the Virgin de las Nieves and miraculously the storm cleared and they were greeted with clear blue skies. Since then the trip has been an annual occurrence with hundreds turning out to partake every year.