Our Lady of Succour and Our Lady of the Rosary Festivities in Belmonte de Tajo
Belmonte de Tajo's main festivities bring devotion, music, popular events and community life together around its patron, Nuestra Señora la Virgen del Socorro, and Nuestra Señora la Virgen del Rosario.
Celebration date
They take place in the first half of September. 8 September is the feast of Virgen del Socorro; Virgen del Rosario also has her own festival day, although her liturgical feast falls on 7 October. The novenas begin nine days beforehand.
Where they take place
Worship centres on the parish church of Nuestra Señora de la Estrella, and the processions pass through central Belmonte de Tajo. Plaza de la Constitución, Puerta and Glorieta de Valencia, the church forecourt and other municipal venues host the popular events.
History and devotion
Local tradition says Virgen del Socorro appeared to a farmer in the 16th century at El Socorro, a crossroads between Colmenar, Valdelaguna, Chinchón and Belmonte de Tajo. The original Virgen del Rosario image was destroyed during the Spanish Civil War and replaced by the present image, bought by the Town Council.
Events and traditions
- Novenas, High Mass, floral offering and a procession for each image.
- The hymns sung in the square and the kissing of the images on their return to the church.
- Lemonade and buns shared on the patronal feast days.
- Opening address, presentation of festival queens and ladies, music, fireworks, family activities and community gatherings.
- Bull-related events and traditional games, subject to each edition's safety arrangements.
Organisation and participation
The Town Council, Hermandad de Nuestra Señora la Virgen del Socorro, Camareras de Nuestra Señora la Virgen del Rosario, associations, festival committee, musicians, municipal services and residents sustain a celebration intended as a meeting point for the town.