fbpx

The “Virgen del Carmen” Procession in Los Boliches: Amazing!

Virgen del Carmen

The Virgen del Carmen being carried by the Fishermen in Los Boliches

On Friday evening, I decided to follow the advice I gave on my blog post about the Virgen del Carmen Celebrations and took my family to see the processions in Los Boliches, Fuengirola.

Unlike some of the other towns, the procession in Los Boliches is well known for starting late in the evening; it actually goes on until well after midnight. As we arrived early – well early by Spanish standards – we decided to stop off in one of the “chiringuitos” on the beach and enjoy a little “pescaito frito”; calamares, boquerones, prawns and a couple of cold beers!

We were now ready to go and see the “Stella Maris”. I have been to other “Virgen del Carmen” processions in other towns, but this was my first time in Los Boliches; I couldn’t believe the amount of people that turned up to the promenade to watch…. We are talking thousands! The procession started in the church and made its way down to the paseo maritimo (promenade) where thousands of families watched and cheered as the local fishermen carried the “Virgen” into the sea and onto one of the fishing boats that awaited. (more…)

Virgen del Carmen Processions – a must see!

The "Virgen del Carmen" procession

This Friday the 16th July many coastal towns throughout Spain will celebrate the festivities of the “Virgen del Carmen”. This is a special day for many of the small original fishing villages (I know, they’ve changed a lot!) on the Costa del Sol as the Virgen del Carmen is actually the patron saint of fishermen (she’s also the patron saint of the Spanish Navy) and no fishing boat sets to sea without her image on board.

Head down to “La Carihuela” in Torremolinos, Los Boliches in Fuengirola or even the Marina in Benalmadena,  and you will witness the beautiful processions which pay homage to the Virgen del Carmen. Each locality will have a slightly different ritual but all include the amazing procession of the Virgen del Carmen in the sea. She will be carried from the church to a beach or port and then placed on one of the fishing boats surrounded by flowers; what follows is a beautiful spectacle as dozens of boats surround the “Stella Maris” – as she is also referred to-  and follow her out to sea.

If you haven’t seen this procession, I recommend you take a drive down to the port in Benalmadena (or any of the other fishing ports and villages mentioned), you won’t be disappointed! You might even be able to see the boat procession from the terrace of our Panorama Bar as they often come up as far as the hotel; make sure you bring your binoculars!

Virgen del Carmen

Another one of the Spanish Summer holidays will take place on the Costa del Sol this week. Thursday 16th of July is the official holiday for Día de Nuestra Señora del Carmen, however the festivities of Virgen del Carmen are celebrated on the night of the 15th July, where the virgen is carried through the towns of Benalmadena, Fuengirola and many others and then sent out to sea with a parade of fishing boats.

Wedding at Sunset Beach Club

Kerry and Edward are getting married here in Benalmadena today at the Virgen del Carmen church. After the ceremony the newlyweds will be enjoying a cocktail reception at the hotel’s pool bar followed by a gala dinner in the Sala Malaga, which has been beautifully set up for them!