Marbella bids farewell to the Coronated Virgin of Carmen with a nearly five-hour procession

The Coronated Virgin of Carmen has paraded through the streets of central Marbella for nearly five hours, in a crowded procession that concluded the celebrations in her honour. Thousands of faithful, music bands, and authorities accompanied the patroness in her fourteenth year as such.

The imposing throne of the Coronated Virgin of Carmen shone once again this Thursday in the streets of Marbella. The procession, which lasted nearly five hours, concluded the celebrations in honour of the patroness, which began at dawn with the Rosario de la Aurora.

A route that is now tradition

For the fifth consecutive year, the procession set off from the church of La Encarnación at 19:00 hours. The procession, which repeated the route introduced three years ago, passed along the promenade, without going through Ramón y Cajal avenue. The procession returned to the temple at 23:40 hours.

The musical accompaniment was provided by two bands: the Banda de Cornetas y Tambores Nuestra Señora del Carmen de El Perchel, which opened the march, and the Banda de Nuestra Señora del Rocío Coronada de Málaga, which closed the procession. Between them, hundreds of brothers and sisters dressed as fishermen, with many children carrying fishing nets and oars, gave a maritime air to the procession.

Authorities and petal showers

Among the authorities present were councillors from the government team, from the PSOE and Vox, as well as the National Police commissioner, Esther Martín. The mayor, Ángeles Muñoz, joined the procession on the promenade. The route was punctuated by two spectacular petal showers on Huerta Chica and Estación streets.

The Coro Pedrosa performed at several points along the route, including Nabeul avenue and Miguel Cano street, and accompanied the throne upon entering the church with the Salve. Additionally, the voices of Ana Domínguez, from a balcony on Huerta Chica street, and Sandra Vázquez, in the plaza de Los Naranjos, added an emotional touch.

An intense day for the patroness

The land procession was the highlight of a day that began at 6:30 hours with the Rosario de la Aurora and the maritime mass on Cable beach. At 10:00 hours, the maritime procession took place, with a smaller throne of three poles, from Bajadilla to the Marina, and from there the transfer to La Encarnación.

Despite not being a public holiday, the attendance at the events was massive, demonstrating the deep-rooted connection to the Virgin of Carmen, who this year celebrates her fourteenth year as the patroness of Marbella. For the locals, the day was an opportunity to renew their devotion and enjoy one of the most cherished traditions of Marbella's summer.

The next appointment with the patroness will be next year, when it is expected to repeat the success of participation and devotion that has characterised these festivities.