the virgin mary

We knew today was a holiday since all the stores were closed. So tonight as we headed to dinner you can imagine our delight when we joined the ENTIRE city in witnessing the annual return of the Virgin Mary to the Cathedral. Basically, September 8 is the feast day of Our Virgin of La Victoria (Our Lady of Victory) and is a local holiday. This Virgin is the patron saint of Malaga. On the last Sunday in August, the statue of the Virgin is taken to the Cathedral where a novena is prayed. On the feast day, there is usually a long procession in the afternoon to the Church of La Victoria, when the statue is returned from the Cathedral. First we saw the float carrying the statue in the distance as rose petals were tossed down from above.

The statue was being carried by at least a hundred men in suits and led by city officials, church leaders, children with incense and alter boys with candles.

The entire parade was led by a band and the music was so intense and magical. I took a few videos that I will try to load to Facebook.
As the procession made its way down the narrow marble streets, they would stop for a rest and put the float down for a few minutes, light incense and the crowds could marvel and clap for the men carrying the float.

Then they would pick it up and continue on. The streets were filled with everyone from babies to the oldest people all dressed for the occasion.

Despite my non-Catholic upbringing, I attended seven years of Catholic school and even met Pope John Paul 11 personally in a letter writing contest in the 80's, so I feel like I've had my fair share of time spent thinking about the Virgin Mary. However I have never felt so overwhelmingly moved by a display of faith.

The music, the smells, the celebration and crowds. What a night!