Pilgrimage of San Isidro in Nerja

The Pilgrimage of San Isidro is one of the most distinctive celebrations in the town of Nerja . Although there have been a total of three pilgrimages held throughout the history of this town on the coast of Malaga, the Pilgrimage of San Isidro is the only one that has been preserved. Since the 1960s, each year the pilgrimage takes place on May 15. The eve of San Isidro also took place on the night of this May 15. However, a few years ago this typical night party stopped taking place.

Since the emergence of this peculiar country festival, the pilgrimage route has been modified. The initial tour had as its starting point the Church of El Salvador. To lead to the Cerro de los Cancharrales (located in the plain of Nerja). It is in this place where a hermitage was built in honor of our Saint Labrador. However, in the mid-80s the route moved to the surroundings of the Cueva de Nerja. For this reason, the construction of a new hermitage in honor of the Saint began: La Ermita de San Isidro. In addition, the outdoor venues of the Cueva de Nerja are prepared every year to receive this great celebration. Therefore, every May 15 the Cueva de Nerja remains closed to the public.

At present, the Pilgrimage of San Isidro begins with a rociera mass celebrated in the Church of El Salvador. The locals receive the landlord of the farmers (San Isidro) with songs and dances. After mass, the pilgrimage route begins its journey from the Balcón de Europa . The figure of San Isidro directs the passage of the pilgrimage on a cart pulled by oxen. The participants of the pilgrimage follow the Saint from their floats. All of them decorated with enthusiasm and care. Flamencas and flamencos begin the way to the Caves of Nerja surrounded by music, dances and songs. Of course, also surrounded by food and drink, since the pilgrimage route usually lasts two or three hours.

The procession of the Saint ends in the Hermitage of San Isidro. After their confinement, the floats arrive one after another to the Cuevas de Nerja enclosure. Around 2:00 p.m. all the floats would have already finished the road.

The enclosure houses numerous tents in which typical Andalusian dishes are prepared. The party continues in a space where people dance and sing until midnight. Despite being a pilgrimage, the San Isidro festival is characterized by hosting numerous styles of music. Although you will not be able to finish the party without dancing some Sevillian.