The Virgin Our Lady of Sorrows, Perpetual Mayor of Tomares, paraded through the streets of the municipality this Sunday in the traditional Rosario de la Aurora, revived in 2014. The procession set off at 7:30 AM from the Parish of Our Lady of Bethlehem and concluded with a mass in the Plaza de la Alegría.
The residents of Tomares took to the streets this past Sunday, 20th September, to accompany the Virgin Our Lady of Sorrows, patroness and perpetual mayor of the municipality, in the Rosario de la Aurora. The image left at 7:30 AM from the Parish of Our Lady of Bethlehem, carried on litters by brothers and devotees, and visited the neighbourhood of Plaza de la Alegría.
The tradition, revived in 2014 after years without celebration, once again gathered numerous residents of Tomares. The route included flower petals and salt carpets made by the Youth Group of the Sacramental Brotherhood, while the town was adorned with banners, hangings, arches, and paper flowers.
The procession was led by the mayor of Tomares, José María Soriano, alongside the Elder Brother of the Sacramental Brotherhood, Fernando Carlos Rejano Santos; the Elder Brother of the Rocío Brotherhood, Juan Ramón Criado Jiménez; the special delegate for Major Festivals of the City Council, María Toledo; and the Chief Inspector of the Local Police, Emilio Gallego. The musical accompaniment was provided by the Coro de Campanilleros de Tomares.
At 9:00 AM, the parish priest and spiritual director of the Brotherhood, Fernando Emilio Borrego Ojeda, officiated a mass in the Plaza de la Alegría in honour of the Virgin. On the return journey, the image was accompanied by the Municipal Band of the Most Holy Christ of Forgiveness of San José de la Rinconada.
“What beautiful images the Rosario de la Aurora of Our Lady of Sorrows leaves us as it traverses the streets of Tomares. A very special and emotional Sunday, experienced alongside so many neighbours who wanted to accompany her on this day. Thanks to all who made this possible and to those who came out to accompany the Virgin. Behind all that we experienced today, there are many people working to ensure everything went well. I want to especially thank the teams from Roads and Works, Cleaning, Parks and Gardens, Local Police, Civil Protection, Culture, Major Festivals, Communication, and all those who coordinated and made this Rosario possible. Thank you for your work and for always being there so that Tomares can experience moments like this.”
The preliminary events began on Tuesday 15th September with a mass in honour of the Virgin and the pious kissing of the hand in the parish, which was also attended by the mayor. On Saturday 19th, the Youth Band of San Benito featured in the traditional Announcing Band organised by the Youth Group of the Sacramental Brotherhood, which paraded through the streets of the municipality.
The Virgin Our Lady of Sorrows is an anonymous work from the 18th century and the titular of the Sacramental Brotherhood, founded in 1574 by the Franciscan friars of the Church of Our Lady of Bethlehem. The brotherhood will commemorate its 450th anniversary in 2024.
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