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.