Dia de la Virgen de los Reyes

I’d never seen the procession of the Virgen de los Reyes before this morning. Getting up at 7am on a Sunday isn’t my idea of fun, especially after celebrating Sevilla’s 3v1 victory over Barca last night, but it was worth the early morning agony.

The story behind the importance of the Virgen de los Reyes is that Luis IX donated the Virgen when King San Fernando conquered Seville in the 13th century. The legend states that San Fernando had already seen the Virgen in his dreams and she had helped him win Seville back from the Muslims, which is why he chose her for the patron, and why the 15th of August is such an important day for Sevillanos.

The Virgen de los Reyes only leaves the Cathedral on the 15th of August. During Semana Santa, all the other Virgens and Christs from the processions salute her as they pass through the Cathedral. Every time Sevilla F.C win a trophy they offer it to the Virgen de los Reyes as a matter of pride. She always lets them keep the trophy.
We had a great spot on the corner of Alemanes and Avenida de Constitucion. We had to get there for about 7.40am, the Virgen leaves at 8am. The procession began with its normal brass band, and was followed by members of the association. Then the Virgen came waltzing down Calle Alemanes until it stopped at the end facing the sun.
“Watch now,’ my fiancee’s father said. “The sun will shine on her face.” The procession was timed to perfection. As the choir sang the sun passed round and lit up the Virgen. Then she continued her route along the Avenue and back to the Cathedral.

Here’s the video if you’re a fan, if not then skip to the funny one below.



This was taken a couple of hours after. Notice the bloke in the sexy pink tie. He was sitting on the steps of the Cathedral singing and clapping to Sevillanos and tourists. Sometimes the heat over here does strange things to people, and he’s first hand evidence.