Updated: 10/06/2025 - 15:19 GMT+2
Thousands of pilgrims gathered in southern Spain on Monday to honour the Virgin of El Rocío, a revered Catholic icon of the Virgin Mary.
Worshippers carried the statue from its shrine and paraded it through the streets of El Rocío, continuing a tradition that dates back to the 13th century.
The pilgrimage, rooted in the discovery of the icon near the village centuries ago, has since grown into one of the largest Catholic gatherings worldwide.
Many participants made the journey on foot, horseback or in decorated carts, in line with centuries-old customs.
Despite its festive atmosphere, the core of the pilgrimage remains spiritual, as devotees seek blessings and express their faith.