El Rocío: A Village Like a Western Movie Set in Andalusia

The wind drives brown clouds of dust across the wide sandy streets while the glaring sun shines on the white houses and chapels. Horses are tied at the edge of the unpaved roads, swishing their tails to shoo away annoying flies. Occasionally, the rumble of a carriage breaks the silence as people in riding attire greet each other, mount their horses, and ride away.

A scene from the Wild West? No - it's just another day in El Rocío. The village is located in the Andalusian province of Huelva, about an hour's drive from Seville. Although only about 1,600 locals live here, it is one of the most important villages in all of Spain.

What makes El Rocío so special is undoubtedly its unique flair. When visiting, you'll quickly forget you're in the middle of Spain and just an hour's drive away from a major city. In El Rocío, the modern, fast-paced world feels far, far away.

The importance of horses as a means of transportation is evident not only from the countless hitching posts and paddocks but also from a unique feature in front of the few bars: There are raised 'tables' outdoors so cowboys can conveniently enjoy their drink from horseback and set it down when needed.

Though El Rocío is tiny and has as many horses as people, the village is famous throughout Spain. Every year on Pentecost weekend, El Rocío becomes the stage for the 'Romería de Rocío', the largest pilgrimage in Andalusia. Around a million pilgrims come to this otherwise nearly deserted village.

The festivities date back to a legend from the 13th century. It is said that a shepherd discovered a statue of the Virgin Mary in a tree near the present-day village. He wanted to take it home, but every time he rested, the statue returned to the spot where it was found. Today, the pilgrimage church of El Rocío stands on that very site.

A large statue of the Virgin Mary still presides over the altar in the church. Known as La Paloma Blanca (the White Dove), she is the main figure in the 'Romería de Rocío'.

During the 'Romería de Rocío', the usually sleepy place turns into a colorful festival. There's music, and people dance through the streets in their flamenco dresses, with the air filled with the scent of good food.

A highlight is the procession on Pentecost Monday. During this event, the large statue of Mary is carried through the streets of El Rocío for hours. Touching it is believed to bring luck, often leading to chaotic scenes during the procession.

The night before the procession, the 'Salto de la Verja', or 'Leap over the Fence', occurs. A brotherhood climbs over the barrier in front of the church altar to retrieve the holy statue and start its journey through the village.

Not far from the village lies Doñana National Park. This park is one of the most beautiful wetlands in Europe, composed of various ecosystems. From marshlands through pine forests to untouched beaches, you can immerse yourself in nature here.

Many bird species are present year-round, with flamingos nesting in summer and ducks visiting in fall. Various hiking trails wind through the park; if you wish, you can join a guided tour.

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