August 15 The procession of the Virgen del Cisne in Lorca

This advocation of the Virgin Mary is most strongly associated with the Catholic faith in Ecuador

It has become a tradition in the city of Lorca in recent years for the religious holiday of Assumption Day to be celebrated with a procession of the figure of the Virgen del Cisne, and this year the event is taking place for the 25^th time on the national holiday which always occurs in Spain on August 15.

The Virgen del Cisne (literally Our Lady of the Swan) owes her name not to any resemblance to the aquatic bird but because it is an advocation of the Virgin Mary which has its roots in the town of El Cisne in Ecuador. It is said that the figure of the Virgen was found in 1594 in the River Catamayo and there is now a Basilica in her name in the town.

In 1440 a military-religious Order of the Knights of the Swan was founded by Frederick II of Prussia with its base in Brandenburg.

While the Virgen del Cisne is most commonly revered in Ecuador, the large number of South American migrants living in and around Lorca has doubtless contributed to her popularity in the area over the last quarter of a century, and the figure which is housed in the church of San Mateo will be carried in procession via Calles Lope Gisbert, Príncipe Alfonso, Cuesta de San Francisco, Plaza de la Concordia, Alfonso X el Sabio, Fernando el Santo and Selgas to the Plaza de España.

Among the events scheduled during the day are the following:

8.00: A noisy wake-up call for the locals with music and bells in the streets!

10.00: The doors of the church are opened to the faithful, pilgrims and onlookers and a floral tribut eis offered.

18.00: Mass in honour of the Virgen del Cisne in the church of San Mateo.

19.00: The “Serentata” to the Virgin is sung and the procession of the holy image begins. Route: Lope Gisbert, Príncipe Alfonso, Cuesta de San Francisco, Plaza de la Concordia, Alfonso X el Sabio, Fernando el Santo, Selgas, Plaza de España. (Roads will be closed to traffic during the evening)

20.00: Dance groups are presented and perform in the Plaza de España.

22.00: The traditional burning of the “mad cow” is accompanied by fireworks and partying.

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