ARCHIVED - 7th January, the Romería of Santa Eulalia in Totana

The patron of Totana returns to her mountain sanctuary after a month in the town

The figure of Santa Eulalia, the patron saint of Totana, was carried 7 kilometres from her sanctuary in the Sierra Espuña to the town centre on 8th December, and having spent the festivities in her honour, Christmas and the New Year in Totana is carried back up into the mountains on 7^th January.

The day begins with Holy Mass at the parish church of Santiago el Mayor at 8.00 before the “romería” sets off at 9.00. Thousands of people accompany Santa Eulalia up the hill to the sanctuary, with the long walk enlivened by music from the traditional “cuadrillas”, forecrackers and a lively, festive atmosphere.

Regular stops enable those carrying the heavy throne to pause for the refreshments offered freely by neighbours and many participants take a picnic and flasks of sweet wine or mistela, which is a lemon and aniseed drink packing quite a powerful punch, along with sweet cakes to consume en-route, enjoying the walk at a leisurely pace.

Once the Saint reaches the sanctuary, a short musical mass takes place (thoroughly enjoyable even for those who don´t understand a word of the service!), following which the residents disperse into the surrounding woodland to enjoy family barbecues, paellas and picnics.

By 12.00 midday the Saint has reached her sanctuary and the road re-opens, so coaches start ferrying anybody up the hill who doesn´t want to walk up and bringing back down those who’ve done quite enough walking for one day. The coaches continue until it gets dark.

The main road up to the sanctuary, the MU-502, is closed to traffic, although there is a back route which is accessed from the first main roundabout on the road up into the Sierra Espuña driving out of Totana.

The eating and drinking tends to go on for some time, as the cuadrillas set up camp and groups merge with groups, and fires for cooking are authorised until 8 in the evening.

If you enjoy a good walk and a lively fun atmosphere come along, bring a picnic (or persuade a friend to get the barbecue going at the top) and experience the event!

Click for further information about the municipality of Totana.

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