The devotion to San Blas in the area of San Javier dates back to the 16^th century

As has been the case now for 46 years, the Romería de San Blas is being held on 3rd February in Santiago de la Ribera, the main residential area of the municipality of San Javier on the shore of the Mar Menor, with the main event preceded by a religious blessing and an offering to the Saint on Sunday 25^th January.

The schedule is as follows:

Sunday January 25

10.00: The blessing of the restored figure of San Blas takes place at the church named after him.

12.00: An offering of non-perishables for distribution to those in need is made to San Bals at the parish church of Santiago Apóstol in Santiago de la Ribera (long life milk is preferred!).

Tuesday February 3

10.00: The annual Romería sets out from the parish church of Santiago Apóstol in Santiago de la Ribera, with many of those accompanying the figure of the Saint dressed in traditional Murcia costume.

This is the only non-maritime procession of this kind along the shores of the inland lagoon and the origins of the veneration of San Blas date way back to the 16th century, when the Trinitarian monks brought their devotion and the celebration of his feast day to San Javier and La Ribera. The Romería in its current format did not begin until 1980 and is always held on 3rd February, following the celebration of Candelaria (Candlemas) on the 2nd of the month.

All of the events take place around the church of San Blas, where the peña groups participating in the various activities around the festivities set up "encampments".

Alongside the peñas' encampment is a collection of stalls alongside the Ermita de San Blas, which is behind Avenida Luis Federico Guirao. These sell the normal selections of crispy coated nuts, sunflower seeds, sweets and popcorn found at most fiestas around the Region of Murcia but are also garlanded with brightly coloured ribbons and coloured cords, holding small terracotta figures of San Blas, many of them painted gold. Traditionally, terracotta figures were placed above the bed of children in a family, in the belief that they would keep throat infections at bay, and these little figures are still sold at this Romería.

Participants also distribute bread rolls which have been blessed inside the church as they are believed to keep throat infections at bay. (Bizarrely, he is also officially named as a patron of infants, builders, stonecutters, carvers, drapers, wool workers, wool industry, veterinarians, physicians, against choking and places including Bradford, Salerno, Sicily, Dubrovnik, Paraguay and Madeira!)

At 10.00 the bells of the parish church, La Iglesia de Santiago Apostol in Calle O'Shea, close to the seafront, announce that the figure of San Blas is beginning his journey to the church, accompanied by neighbours and visitors, many of them clad in typical "huertano" clothes, and horsemen. The Saint emerges from the church on a wooden throne decked with flowers, accompanied by hundreds of local inhabitants.

These Romeria events are very enjoyable, regardless of the religious element, and for many are as much a community act as an expression of faith. The figure of the Saint is carried slowly, surrounded by the crowd, all enjoying the atmosphere, and there is always music as rockets are let off. Conversation pauses as the image of the Saint passes.

When the Romería arrives at the church of San Blas a Huertana Holy Mass is performed. This is a colourful ceremony, enlivened by the choir of Santiago Apóstol, and offerings of fruit and flowers from the surrounding countryside are made. It's very crowded inside the church: make sure to be inside the building before the Saint arrives.

After Mass, the revellers begin a long day of feasting in the encampment erected for their various peñas, and paella is offered to all those who took part in the event by the local council as thousands of people come from to participate in the occasion.

Taking part is easy: just wait at the door of the church at Santiago de la Ribera with everyone else and then follow the Saint, enjoying a walk in the sunshine with Santiago de la Ribera’s oldest resident!

 

For more local events, news and visiting information contact the tourist offices of San Javier (main contact number 661 572285) or go to the home page of San Javier Today.

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