Moratalla, Romería to the Casa de Cristo
Romería of the Casa de Cristo, Moratalla, 6th May
This is the Romería of Jesucristo Aparecido, patron of the town of Moratalla.
In this Romería, the figure of Christ is returned to his small chapel at the Casa de Cristo, accompanied by the Virgen de la Rogativa. It's a hard climb for those carrying the figures, up the winding woodland heading towards the Campo de San Juan.
On the way everyone stops for a country breakfast, then by 12.00 midday the figures have arrived at the Casa de Cristo, where Mass is celebrated.
Following this, an encuentro de cuadrillas is being held, a gathering of groups performing the traditional music of the countryside, and all participants settle down for a good lunch and afternoon of social interaction.
Although many accompany the Romería on foot, those with the food drive up to the Casa de Cristo either via the main road or through the back road which runs cross country behind the campsite, but this but should be attempted only by those with 4-by-4 vehicles. Many drive up just to enjoy the music and picnic, without taking part in the Romería.
And don't forget the logistics of getting back down into Moratalla afterwards!
The programme is typically as follows:
7.30: Mass in the parish church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción (click for map).
8.00: Departure with the figures of Jesucristo Aparecido and the Virgen de la Rogativa from the church.
9.30: Arrival at Los Arcos for a sending off by local dignitaries (Los Arcos is at the foot of the climb up to the Casa de Cristo. The road to the Casa de Cristo is the MU-703 heading towards Campo de San Juan.)
9.40: Departure for the Casa de Cristo.
11.00: Almuerzo campero (country breakfast).
12.00: Midday Mass at the sanctuary of the Casa de Cristo.
13.00: First "encuentro" of Cuadrillas at the sanctuary.
14.30: Lunch. There are zones in which barbecues can be set by the Casa de Cristo. Everyone brings their own food and enjoys an afternoon of eating and drinking.
16.00: Performances of the Cuadrillas.
19.00: The Virgen de la Rogativa departs from the sanctuary.