Pilgrimage to the hermitage of Nuestra Señora Virgen de Castro (EN)
In Caleruega, every spring there is an unmissable event: the romeria to the hermitage of the Virgen de Castro. A day where tradition, nature and conviviality come together to create one of the most special days of the year, designed to be experienced as a family.
It is held every year on the third Sunday in April - or the fourth if it coincides with Easter - and brings together locals and visitors in a deeply-rooted tradition.
Beyond its religious origin, this pilgrimage has become the great meeting day of the people. It is the moment when those who live abroad return, families get together and the countryside becomes the scene of coexistence, food and celebration.
The day starts early, with the ringing of bells in the church of San Sebastián. At nine o'clock in the morning the procession starts, led by the cross, the candlesticks and the script, together with one of the most emblematic pieces: "el Santito", a 17th century carving of Saint Dominic that only leaves the monastery on that day.
A journey full of meaning:
The first stop takes place next to the cemetery, where the deceased are remembered. Afterwards, at the Piedra de Castro, the mayor gives a speech before continuing the walk.
The route combines history and nature: stretches of the ancient Camino Empedrado - the remains of a Roman road - and paths between the mountains that connect Caleruega with Arauzo de Torre.
The arrival at Arauzo de Torre marks one of the liveliest moments. There, after the prayer in the church, comes the long-awaited lunch: brandy, muscatel and biscuits, shared amidst laughter and reunions before continuing the climb towards the Alto de Castro.
Once at the ruins of Clunia, the atmosphere turns into a real picnic. Families settle down to eat outdoors, while the "quintos" liven up the after-dinner conversation with music. The traditional sweet of the day is not lacking: leche frita.
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In the afternoon, the rosary at the hermitage and the farewell to the Virgin mark the end of the pilgrimage, in an emotionally charged moment that gives way to the return home.
A day where the whole village becomes family and the road is as important as the destination.
The pilgrimage of the Virgen de Castro is a tradition that is not only celebrated: it is lived, shared and remembered throughout the whole year.