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El Rocío Pilgrimage
 Perhaps the most spectacular is the one devoted to the Virgen del Rocío, popularly called "El Rocio" for short. Nearly a million people from all over Spain and Andalucia make the long journey to gather in a small hamlet of El Rocio in the marshlands of the Guadalquivir River delta (south of Almonte), where the statue of the "Madonna of the Dew" has been worshipped since 1280. The pilgrims come on horseback and in gaily decorated covered wagons from all over the region, transforming the area into a colourful and noisy party.
The pilgrimage to El Rocio is spectacular, it feels like you have been transported to a bygone age.
 The Rocío Pilgrimage is the most famous in the region, attracting nearly a million people from across Andalucia and the entire country. This is a tradition that began in the 15th century when a hunter from the village of Villamanrique discovered a statue of the Virgin Mary in a tree trunk near the Doñana park. Devotion to this particular versin of the Virgin was initially a local affair. Every May brings a familiar scene to towns, villages and cities across Andalucia when the most devoted locals gear up their covered wagons and don traditional Andalucian clothing – broad brimmed hats and country garb for men and flamenco dresses for women – to head in the direction of the El Roció shrine. Some will also make the journey on horseback.
In reality, El Rocío is a hamlet which comes to life just once a year when Catholic brotherhoods and so many others flock to this area to pay tribute to the El Roció Virgin (Madonna of the Dew) that is brought out for display and veneration just for the occasion.
The church of El Rocio, the home of the famous
El Roció Virgin (Madonna of the Dew).
To reach the shrine, pilgrims must traverse part of the Doñana park, which is a protected area. Law enforcement is well organised with Guardia Civil and others working hard not only to keep order but also to protect the environment. Fire is a special concern as this event is one long party involving alcohol. Therefore, information campaigns combine with round the clock surveillance in order to keep both participants and Doñana safe every year.
The climax of the festival is the weekend before Pentecost Monday (12 May 2008, 1 June 2009, 24 May 2010). In the early hours of the Monday the Virgin is brought out of the church. This remarkable event is always televised.
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