Event Details
Welcome to the Romería de la Virgen de la Valme 2026
Every third Sunday of October, the Romería de la Virgen de la Valme makes its way through Dos Hermanas near Seville; in 2026 the date falls on 18 October. Held in honor of the town's patron saint, this pilgrimage is one of the largest and most traditional in Andalusia, drawing up to 200,000 people who accompany the procession from the parish church in Dos Hermanas to the Ermita de Valme in Seville's Bellavista district. Celebrated since 1894, the autumn romería holds the titles Fiesta de Interés Turístico Nacional and Bien de Interés Cultural.
When does the Romería de Valme 2026 take place?
The main day is Sunday, 18 October 2026. Celebrations begin the evening before, on Saturday, with the Devota Salutación Mariana from 09:00 AM, when devotees venerate the Virgin inside the parish church. On Sunday, the Misa de Romeros starts at 6:00 AM; around 8:00 AM the image is placed on her decorated cart and the procession sets off toward the shrine.
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Where does the Romería de Valme take place?
The procession begins at the Iglesia de Santa María Magdalena in the center of Dos Hermanas and follows rural paths to the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Valme at Cortijo de Cuarto, in the Bellavista neighborhood of Seville. The route links the two towns and is traditionally covered on foot, on horseback or aboard ox drawn carts.
What can visitors expect at the Romería de Valme?
- Elaborately decorated carts (carretas) covered in hand crimped tissue paper with their distinctive peaked roofs
- Numerous horse riders, both men and women (jinetes and amazonas), dressed in traditional Andalusian attire
- Flamenco, sevillanas dancing and singing along the route and around the shrine
- A lively outdoor picnic and gathering upon arrival at Cortijo de Cuarto
- A solemn mass at the shrine followed by the Virgin's evening return to Dos Hermanas
How does the day unfold?
Around midday, usually between 1:00 and 2:00 PM, the cart carrying the Virgin reaches the Ermita de Valme, where mass is celebrated. Pilgrims then spend the afternoon eating, singing and dancing outdoors. At 5:30 PM, following the recitation of the rosary, the return journey begins; the procession re enters Dos Hermanas around 10:00 PM, when prizes are awarded for the best decorated carts, riders and carriages, before the Virgin arrives back at her parish church around 10:30 PM.
Visitor Tips
- Attendance is free; for a good view of the departure, arrive early in Dos Hermanas or head directly to the shrine area in Bellavista.
- Comfortable shoes are essential, as much of the route runs along unpaved paths.
- Traveling by train or bus to Dos Hermanas, or by public transport to Bellavista, is recommended since roads along the route are closed to traffic.
- Bring sun protection and water, as the walk to the shrine takes place during the midday heat.
- To catch the arrival at Cortijo de Cuarto, plan to be there by around 12:30 PM.
