The town of Tomelloso once again received its Patroness in the smell of crowds after an immense Pilgrimage, due to the great participation, the intense moments experienced and the exaltation of the roots and traditions of a city that will soon commemorate the five hundred years of its foundation. As tradition dictates, the image of María de las Viñas left the Pinilla hermitage at five in the afternoon and a little more than two hours later, and after a beautiful pilgrimage path with numerous songs and cheers, it was already celebrated in the avenue that bears his name.
The Pilgrimage Procession has been set up at the height of the old Civil Guard barracks. From there the folklore groups “Virgen de las Viñas” have started their music and dance parades, with their children’s and adult groups; “Manantial del Vino” and “El Bombo” performed by the Jota de la Sarten, Seguidillas de Alcázar and the Jota de Socuéllamos. This cheerful and colorful parade has been joined by five spectacular ropes, two in silk and three in simple. The two oldest had seven mules harnessed, greatly applauded by the public with their famous starts. Also marching were numerous chariots, riders and horseback riders, the artistic floats, the band of the Santa Cecilia Musical Association, which has arrived at the square playing Paquito El Chocolatero, the godmothers, tractors, trucks and other curious vehicles.
Another of the great attractions has been the bustle of the green floats full of young people who have given their last breath of dedication and love to the Patron Saint after a weekend of frenetic partying. The espantapichuleros, the arrequetemontapedrizas, the asaltalindes and the arrevientavinedos have raised the decibels and the pilgrimage atmosphere.
Authorities, members of the Brotherhood and hundreds of pilgrims surrounded the Virgin upon her arrival in the city center and tears began to flow again once she was placed on the stage to preside over the passage of the floats. Little by little it has been covered with flowers, creating a colorful picture of devotion and tradition. At the confluence of Socuéllamos and Juan José Rodrigo streets, the pilgrims have turned the image so that it would receive the greeting of her great benefactor, Encarnita Ramírez. Flower petals have been thrown at him from the windows of Santo Tomás-La Milagrosas and other points along the route. The Virgin has also been entertained by the wonderful voices of Jesús Martínez and Chemi “El choileja”. One more year, Pepe Sánchez has presented and led this wonderful two-hour parade. At some point, the rain threatened with a few drops, but finally it did not discharge.
Four days of celebration were left behind, if we link the Pilgrimage with the festival of San Marcos and with the background of that demand for this wonderful Pilgrimage to be declared of national tourist interest, a goal that seems to be getting closer and closer.
“We must thank Tomelloso”
In his assessment of the development of the Pilgrimage, the mayor, Javier Navarro, stated that “after this Pilgrimage, on its eightieth anniversary, we must thank Tomelloso for his civility and exemplary behavior. A pilgrimage with massive participation that has not recorded any major incidents, which demonstrates the character of the Tomelloseros and the people who have visited us.” For Navarro, what makes the Tomelloso Pilgrimage so special “is because of that mix of folklore, traditions, culture, gastronomy and, above all, the feeling towards a Patroness who is everything for the people of Tomelloso.”
The mayor has thanked the work of so many people who have made the celebration of the Pilgrimage possible and also the mule drivers, people of folklore, young people, hoteliers and, of course, the members of the Brotherhood. “And I want to pay attention to its president, Alejandro Ramírez, whom I congratulate for his great work, not only for the Pilgrimage, but for that whole year’s work in which we have to take care of the Hermitage and organize other activities throughout the year. anus. With people like this I have no doubt that we will achieve the goal of the Pilgrimage being declared of national tourist interest.”
