The Virgen del Carmen paraded through Antequera on Saturday, July 11, with a traditional dance by Grupo Azucena in the Plaza de San Sebastián. The procession lasted until dawn and included novena and triduum.
The Grupo Azucena surprised attendees at the Virgen del Carmen procession in Antequera with a tribute of traditional dances. In the Plaza de San Sebastián, the dancers performed "la Zapatilla" and the "fandango antequerano", two pieces of local folklore that earned applause from the audience. This year’s event took place on Saturday, July 11, bringing together locals and visitors around the Marian image.
A Procession that Unites Devotion and Tradition
The procession set off at 21:00 hours from the Plaza del Carmen. It was led by a guiding cross and two candle bearers, followed by the banner of the corporation carried by José Antonio Narbona. Alongside him, the mayor of Antequera, Manuel Barón, and councillors Ana Cebrián and María Sierras accompanied the Virgen throughout the route.
A group of acolytes in carmelite-coloured robes carried hand lanterns, while others wore dalmatics and held candles. The throne of the Virgen, directed by Antonio García, was carried by 90 brotherhood members. Following them, the Banda de la Trinidad Sinfónica provided the musical accompaniment, which, according to attendees, was "spot on".
The Dance that Stole the Show
Upon reaching the Plaza de San Sebastián, Grupo Azucena captured the spotlight. The dancers, dressed in regional costumes, performed the fandango antequerano with marked steps and footwork that resonated against the facades. "The neighbourhood embraces the Virgen del Carmen during her annual procession," explained Miguel Ángel Sánchez, a witness to the event. Applause filled the square, and many locals recorded the moment on their phones.
After the performance, the procession resumed its march. The ascent up Cuesta Zapateros was particularly emotional, with the Banda de la Trinidad linking four marches that enlivened the return. In calle del Río, decorated for the occasion, petals and cheers rained down from the balconies. At number 21, Carmen Nieves dedicated a song to the Virgen, one of the most touching moments of the night.
An Event Programme Lasting Until Thursday
The procession was not the only event. From Tuesday, July 7 to Wednesday, July 15, the Parroquia del Carmen hosts the novena from 11:00 to 14:00 hours. Additionally, from Tuesday, July 14 to Thursday, July 16, at 20:30 hours, the triduum in honour of the Virgen will be celebrated. The first day will be presided over by the parish priest Serafín Corral Martín; the second by Francisco Aurioles; and the third by the episcopal vicar Antonio Jiménez Fuentes.
On Thursday 16, the last day, the image will be displayed for besaescapulario in the morning. In the afternoon, from 18:30 hours until the end of the mass, the faithful will be able to approach to venerate it. The procession concluded at 00:41 hours on Sunday, and the Verbena del barrio, organised by the Cofradía de la Soledad, filled the square with a festive atmosphere.
For the people of Antequera, this event is one of the highlights of the summer. The combination of faith, music, and dance makes the Virgen del Carmen a cultural reference for the city. Those who missed it still have the opportunity to attend the events this week. And one thing is clear: in Antequera, tradition is not only preserved; it is danced.
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