Villanueva del Trabuco celebrates this Sunday the pilgrimage to the sanctuary of the Virgen de Gracia, an event that marks its 29th year. The route includes a symbolic stop at the Archidona prison.
About a hundred faithful will walk this Sunday along the Los Molinillos road in the traditional pilgrimage to the Virgen de Gracia, organised by the Friends of the Virgen de Gracia Association of Villanueva del Trabuco. The departure is scheduled for six in the morning from the hermitage of the Virgen del Puente.
The journey, approximately 20 kilometres long, runs along the A-7202 to Archidona, where the pilgrims will make a special stop at the penitentiary centre. There, they have a solidarity project pending to assist with the transportation of inmates' families, an initiative they hope to resume after the pandemic.
Solidarity stop at the Archidona prison
The association hopes that one year the inmates will be able to join the pilgrimage. For now, the stop at the prison is a symbolic gesture that strengthens ties with the community. Jaime Aguilera, spokesperson for the group, explained on Hoy por Hoy Andalucía Centro that the idea is to build bridges with the inmates and their families.
After the stop, the Archidona Town Council will provide breakfast for attendees before the ascent to the sanctuary. The day will culminate with a mass at the hermitage, accompanied by the Virgen del Puente Housewives' Choir.
Devotion that grows each year
The pilgrimage, held every second Sunday in July, has been bringing together faithful from the region for 29 years. More than a hundred people participate on foot, on horseback, by bicycle, or in support vehicles. For the residents of Villanueva del Trabuco, it is one of the most anticipated events of the summer.
In addition to this pilgrimage, the association organises an annual mass in Málaga and a gathering. They also eagerly await the night pilgrimage on August 14, another tradition that keeps the devotion to the patroness alive.
The Virgen de Gracia is the patron saint of Villanueva del Trabuco, and her sanctuary is located in the municipality of Archidona. The pilgrimage not only has a religious character but also a social one: it is a day of gathering for families and friends who take the opportunity to enjoy the countryside and each other's company.
Those who cannot attend this Sunday will have another opportunity on August 14, when the night pilgrimage lights the way with torches and lanterns. An event that, according to the organisers, is increasingly attracting younger participants.
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