Published 14 September 2026 | Events

TL;DR: Vera’s Romería in early September brings locals and visitors together with a vibrant pilgrimage, traditional music, dance, and community meals celebrating Virgen de las Huertas.

Romería in Honor of Virgen de las Huertas

The Pilgrimage Begins

Every September, Vera comes alive with one of its most cherished local traditions: the Romería in honor of Nuestra Señora la Virgen de las Huertas. This year’s celebration started Saturday afternoon as a procession moved from La Media Legua to the small chapel dedicated to the Virgin. Locals arrived in decorated carrozas and on horseback, gradually joining the procession to accompany the Virgen on this heartfelt journey. Upon reaching the hermitage, attendees offered floral tributes — a colorful and joyful gesture symbolizing their devotion.

First-ever Romería Pregonero and Musical Premieres

A highlight this year took place at Pago de la Torrecica along the route, where Juan Nuñez Rubio made history as the first official announcer of the Romería, delivering a heartfelt pregón that marked the formal start of festivities. To complement this milestone, the Coro de San Ramón debuted a sevillana composed specifically for the occasion by Víctor Valera. The afternoon shifted to a lively cultural scene with the youth dance troupe Virgen de las Huertas performing traditional dances, followed later by musical sets from Barbarito and the band Los Lagartos, carrying celebrations well into the evening.

Sunday’s Community Spirit

The following day, the Romería continued with another procession — this time from the hermitage back into Vera’s town center, then returning to Pago de la Torrecica. Here, both locals and visitors shared in a communal paella, a perfect way to gather everyone around food and fellowship. That afternoon’s events included a solemn Mass led by Vera’s parish priest, D. Jesús Martín. The service was enriched by the voices of the Coro Parroquial de Vera under the direction of José Garrido. Afterwards, a traditional raffle of gifts displayed at the hermitage took place. The festivities concluded with a performance by Rondalla Sol y Luna, directed by Santiago Trigueros, rounding out a weekend steeped in faith and local culture.

Deep Local Roots and Historical Significance

The devotion to Virgen de las Huertas runs deep in Vera, closely linked to its neighbor Lorca and rooted in history dating back to the 16th century. Although the exact arrival of the image is uncertain, tradition ties it to the morisco siege of 1569. The Romería itself is documented as far back as 1860, though it experienced a revival in the 1980s. Today, it stands as a defining element of Vera’s religious and cultural identity, blending longstanding beliefs with communal celebration that continues to attract and engage the community year after year.

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