Festivities in Honor of Our Lady of La Peña

With the arrival of September, Sepúlveda celebrates its patron saint festivities: on the 29th and 30th, the town honors Saint Michael the Archangel and the Virgin of La Peña, patron saint of the town and its Community of Villa y Tierra.

On September 29, the main events in honor of the patron saint take place: at 12 noon, a solemn Mass is celebrated in honor of Our Lady of La Peña, attended by the town council, the Ochaveros of the Community of Villa y Tierra de Sepúlveda, and other officials. Throughout the day, various events and performances take place at the Virgen de la Peña grounds, such as a performance by the Virgen de la Peña de Sepúlveda dance group and a free children’s playground.

This is a special religious celebration for two reasons. First, because—unlike other Marian celebrations—the image of the Virgen de la Peña is not carried in a procession (except during severe droughts or disasters); instead, it is her devotees who come to see her at her sanctuary. Second, because this sanctuary is situated in a spectacular location, at the foot of one of the most impressive gorges along the Duratón River. Devotees from many towns in the area make their way there on the 29th to present offerings to the Virgin.

On the 30th, right on schedule, “Los Remates” takes place—an auction of the gifts that the faithful present to the Virgin, during which jugs of local wine are passed around to encourage the generosity of those in attendance.

But the festivities honoring their patron saint have been taking place in Sepúlveda since September 19, the day the traditional Novena begins with Mass. Every day, following the Novena, the residents of Sepúlveda and devotees of the Virgin gather at “El Chiringuito” of the Virgin of La Peña, where it is customary to drink “envueltos” (wine mixed with soda), accompanied by the food that the locals bring each night. Other highlights include the Children’s Painting Contest and a performance by the Sepúlveda Music Group.

The Brotherhood of the Virgin of La Peña, located just a few meters from the sanctuary, becomes, for twelve days, the gathering place where members and visitors celebrate, share, and enjoy wine, bread, cheese, and traditional Sepúlveda pastries.