Fascinating Village of El ROCIO
El Rocio is known as the land of salt flats or the marismas, where this little village is situated north-west. The town is surrounded with marismas, as well as pine woods which attract flocks of birds, with nature trails around where one can see many species in this nature reserve.
You will not find any tarmac roads in El Rocio, for the village is filled with sand everywhere, suiting the horses and ox-carts used by the locals or the farmers in the area.
The Special Festivity
The town has plenty of white cottages with a church stockade which sees the most renowned festivity of Pentecost taking place in this south region. Hundreds of pilgrims flock this place from all around, with whole communities and brotherhoods as far as Huelva, Malaga and Sevilla, riding into town on horses or ox carts that are ornately decorated for the celebration.
The festivity includes an elaborate procession of colors, dancing, music and partying as more and more arrivals make their presence felt. This celebration also commemorates the miracle of a goddess statue, Nuestra Señora of El Rocío, which refused to be moved or relocated by all efforts.
The image is legend to contain powers and magic, especially in fertility and is carried about in the procession on that faithful Sunday morning. This celebration has been a tradition for more than 800 years. As there are two parts of this festival, one a religious and the other a pagan belief, this festival is now a blend of these two beliefs.
Ox carts are decorated in bright colors and with a variety of flowers as pilgrims are dressed in traditional flamenco attire that are gypsy inspired, which is bright colors and are ornately designed.
Accommodations
El Rocio makes a visitor very comfortable with its wide and sandy streets; especially with the local farmers riding horses with cowboy hats. Their presence gives the village a frontier-like atmosphere which is quite unique.
However, the prices may be higher than the normal budget, especially when it is around the special festivity of Romeria del Rocio. Prices may go beyond the norm, as high as ten times the normal amount, and the rooms need to be booked years in advance.
Gastronomy
With the festivities in full swing for everyone, it is natural to have the excellent local cuisine be served for everyone’s delight and satisfaction, like the Pata Negra (which is the black foot ham), or the Sanlucar white prawns with the region’s finest sherry and wines.
This quaint village is one that is highly recommended for a visit to enjoy its unique lifestyle, as well as the extremely hyped up celebration of Romeria del Rocio.