Almeria Fair: The transfer of the Virgen del Mar

Almeria proved its devotion yesterday with a beautiful day in celebration of the Virgin of the Sea. 

The Assumption of Mary is a Spanish national holiday observed annually in honour of the Virgin Mary, commemorating the patron saint’s ascension into Heaven. 

Across the nation, it is celebrated with fairs, parades, games, competitions, whimsical costumes and religious traditions.

On August 17, 2024, the Virgin Mary left her sanctuary for the Almeria Cathedral to spend the coming days at the fair, on the occasion of the Holy Year and the 500th anniversary of the temple of the Diocese.

Almeria transfers the Virgin of the Sea to the Cathedral for the city to celebrate

“In terms of devotion, August 17, 2024, will go down in history” stated the City Hall on social media. 

At 11 am, the bells rang and the doors of the Royal Convent of Santo Domingo opened with a brief procession which included a special component this year; the descendants of the two families who saved the statue of the Virgin of the Sea from destruction in the Civil War.

Saturday was the first time that the patron saint of Almeria had passed by the place where the house used to stand in which she was hidden and had taken refuge.

Families recognised and respected during the ceremony

Both families received a heartfelt tribute on the corner of the old Virgen del Mar Hospital, while the patron saint’s hymn played and the statue received a petal.

In the afternoon, the usual religious services were held as the Virgin of the Sea was placed on the main altar, “with that aura of extraordinary that the religious celebration of the Virgen del Mar has” according to the organisers, accompanied by a floral decoration by Lales Martinez and with Saint Indalecio at the patron saint’s side. 

This marked the beginning of the seven-day festivities in honour of the Virgin of the Sea, with a mass held by Gines Beltran, bishop of the Diocese of Getafe.

The sermon to the Virgin of the Sea

Then came the highlight of the day, the sermon to the Virgin of the Sea, by Eduardo Blanes. It was a devotional sermon going through the roots of Almeria and the presence of the patron saint, dedicated to her;

“The more we look at you, the image fades and we find the essence: we find the Virgin Mary. We love you, Mary” said the herald to a packed audience of faithful devotees in the Cathedral. 

As announced by his presenter, Juan José Pérez Lázaro, “Eduardo is an honest man, a good man. He is constantly seeking truth and knowledge to commit himself to the general good. Firm in his convictions.”

The Almeria Fair in honour of the Virgin Mary

Following the Assumption of Mary was seven days of celebration, through fun events, community-driven activities, sport, entertainment, music, gastronomy, arts and crafts, markets and fairgrounds, all in honour of Almeria, its people and its patron saint, The Holy Virgin of the Sea, Mary.

For more local news and events in the Almeria province click here.