Over the past couple of days, various festivities in honour of the Virgen del Carmen, the patron saint of fishermen and sailors, have been in full swing.
Around 16th July each year, many of the coastal towns and fishing villages of Spain celebrate by parading the statue of Virgin del Carmen through the streets, accompanied by the steady rhythm of a brass band, the resounding thump of a drumbeat and the cries from the crowd of “guappa” or “viva” as the statue passes by.
At dusk, after the procession arrives at the water’s edge, the Virgin del Carmen is taken out to sea on a flower-decked boat, accompanied by a flotilla of fishing boats (jábegas),to bless their fishing grounds.
The Virgen del Carmen is of great importance to the inhabitants of Axarquían towns and villages such as Caleta de Vélez, Nerja, Rincón de la Victoría and Torre del Mar because many larger towns and holiday resorts along the coast were once small fishing villages where the sea provided their daily existence.
But we need to look back to the scriptures of the Old Testament, centuries before the birth of Christ, for the origin of the Virgen del Carmen.
The Bible tells us that the prophet Elijah went up Mount Carmelo near Haife, in Israel to pray for rain to relieve a great drought that had parched the lands. Whilst Elijah was on Mount Carmelo, he saw white clouds forming, which would bring the much needed rain. Elijah interpreted the clouds as a sign of the coming of a Saviour who would be born of a Virgin.
In gratitude for the rain, the community dedicated itself to praying for the mother of the Saviour to come, and the Order of the Carmelites was formed.
On 16th July 1251, the Virgen del Carmen is said to have appeared to Englishman, Simon Stock, who was responsible for building Carmelite monasteries throughout Europe in the 13th century. The story goes that when she appeared to him, the Virgen was holding a scapular and she promised that Carmelites who show their devotion should use this as a sign of privilege that they would be “granted the grace of final perseverance and be delivered from eternal Purgatory”.
A scapular was originally an apron, forming part of the dress of a religious order, but for the lay-faithful, scapulars usually bear images, or verses from scripture. Devotional scapulars typically consist of two rectangular pieces of cloth, wool or other fabric that are connected by bands. One rectangle hangs over the chest of the wearer, while the other rests on the back, with the bands running over the shoulders.
The Virgin Mary of Mount Carmelo (the Virgin of Carmen or Virgen del Carmen) is also known as Stella Maris (Latin for Star of the Sea) which is the name given to the Pole Star (Polaris) used by mariners for centuries as celestial navigation.
EDITED TO ADD: These photos were all taken during the evening of 16th July 2014 in Torre del Mar. I had to wade out into the sea, above my knees, to take them because there were so many people on the beach, it was the only way of getting the chance of some good shots without thousands of heads or bodies in the way. My sundress was soaked and I had to try to hold it up with one hand and take photos with my other. Happy days 🙂
Which is your favourite Spanish festival?
East of Málaga 
An inspiring journey of faith and many more. It’s truly beautiful when a community brings faith and hope in their daily lives. To honor where our blessings comes from.
Yes, very inspirational.
Thanks for your comment – always very much appreciated.
I can just picture you holding your dress in the waves and Michael shaking his head. What a pity he did not have a camera too so we could see for ourselves your valiant effort to get the good shot.
Hahahaha ….he’s used to it by now, Jo! To be honest, there were so many people that he lost sight of me, but he knew that once I had got my shots I would turn up again where I left him.
I didn’t really intend getting wet, but a particularly big wave came rolling in, and before I could do anything about it I was wet right up to (and including) my knickers!! So then I had decided to just go for it 🙂
You ? Go for it ? That doesn’t surprise me one iota !!!! It is one of the things that makes you so much fun.
Engaging photos and narrative Marianne! Well worth all the trouble! 😉
I agree. I’m glad I got wet – the photos were worth it 🙂
Your determination and wet sun dress paid off. Great shots and description of this religious tradition, Marianne.
Dedication to blogging, huh! Sheesh – it gets me in trouble sometimes 🙂
Thanks Lynne.
These are fantastic Marianne! I love that you threw caution to the wind to get the photos. I would have done the same thing likely with my husband shaking his head on shore. 🙂
Hahaha … which is indeed what MY husband did, whilst holding my camera bag and shoes! 🙂
Oh these poor husbands of ours! 🙂
I love that the festival and commemorations still have a place in Spanish culture 🙂 I admire your adventure and dedication in getting the pics.
These festivals are not only traditional, but have a whiff of the “old-fashioned” about them. Another thing is that all the generations take part – there were lots of grandparents as well as children, on the beach that night.
These festivals for the Virgen are always so joyous. I’ve attended many in Mexico. Your photos are such a wonderful series of this celebration!
Yes, they are always joyous, Angeline – a very appropriate word. You nailed it! 🙂
Thanks for your kind words – always much appreciated.
So interesting. I loved the header. I do not have a favorite Spanish festival but I surely wish I did!
Thanks Kathryn – I guess, like me, you would just love them all 🙂
I surely would, not a doubt in my mind. Your world seems so passionate!
It is, indeed 🙂
Great pics. I saw two Carmen processions last year in Málaga… in Pedregalejo and Malagueta beach. Wonderful.
I’ve yet to see one in Malaga – we have always stayed further east – maybe next year 🙂
Do they have any Carmen festivities in Seville, on the river?
I’d love to see one of these festivals. so vibrant!
I hope you can, too, Gilly – they are usually great fun, and everyone is so friendly.
You got some great shots, Marianne, it was worth braving the sea for them! Very informative post as always. We are very lazy and don’t usually head to the coast for these festivals but try to attend what is happening here in Jimena. 🙂
I live about 30 minutes from Torre del Mar, but we go there regularly – especially if there is something going on 🙂
Thank you for sharing this wonderful, special parading the statue of Virgin del Carmen! Great photos.
Thanks Amy – glad you enjoyed the photos.
The soaking was worth it Marianne, at least from our point of view as you got some tremendous shots for us. There’s so much colour on these occasions. It reminds me of the old Whit Walks I used to see as a youngster that just seemed to fade away.
xxx Mega Hugs xxx
I soon dried out, David – and YES, I agree, it was worth a soaking 🙂
Whatever happened to those Whit Walks, I wonder?
What you won’t do to get your shot, Marianne! 🙂
I love seeing these festive events, whether they’ve a religious theme or not. It’s great to see the villagers come together for a traditional festival. I hope they never get too modern for them.
Couldn’t agree more – you don’t have to be religious to see the passion and devotion in others.
Things do get modernised, John – but because it’s “poco a poco” (little by little), then they are accepted.
Another thing I love about these festivals, is that ALL the generations are there – just like they are in Italy, too.
Beautiful photos! What a cool festival.
Yes, it is, Nicole.
Thanks for your comment – always much appreciated 🙂
Hi Marianne, we were also there ! What an event ! And the devotion of those people…
Wasn’t it amazing? It’s always the same – so many people turn out for all the festivals.
Hope you had as much fun as we did, Caroline!
Amazing shots!
Thanks Joanna – I soon dried out! 😉