Those of you who know me and know anything about La Roda and her festivals know that the romería for San Pancracio (Saint Pancras...not Pancreas!) is the highlight of the year for me. This year was especially fun because we had a visit from our good friend Adam and his partner María. They came down from Madrid for the weekend. It's always fun to have visitors for these kinds of celebrations because it's like seeing and doing it all anew.
Unfortunately, I caught some kind of 24-hour stomach flu Thursday night and was in bed all day Friday. Aside from being a completely useless hostess when my guests arrived, I obviously wasn't feeling well enough to accompany the Saint on his way down from the hermitage this year either. It's the first time in seven years that I haven't done the Friday night walk.
Saturday I was feeling better and so María and I dressed up in flamenco garb (I loaned her a dress of mine) and went to the evening mass and procession around town afterwards. This year is bittersweet because many of the parts of the romería that have been traditions in the past will be changing next year. The Saint is finally being recognized by the local church which means that he will stay in the church year round instead of in his hermitage. The Friday night walk to town, for example, will never happen again... so I was especially sad about my untimely illness.
The procession around town and the street celebration will also change. There will still be some of that, but the Saint himself won't be present at the party (matters of respect). Because in the past the Saint wasn't allowed in the church, the hosting street would make up an alter for him in one of the neighbor's garages. They are always beautifully decorated, and I think quite fit for a Saint, but... what do I know.
Sunday dawned cloudless and hot. Two years ago when my sister was here for the romería it was over 100F on our 8k walk up to the hermitage. This year wasn't that extreme, but it was 96F and above from about 10am onward. It was indeed a scorcher! This year, I did not do the entire camino. Part of it was the heat. I walked with the crowds to the edge of town and then María and I (she was suffering a major allergic reaction to the olive pollen) turned around and headed home to cool off a bit before meeting up with the group just before the hermitage. Once again, I'm sorry that I didn't do the walk, another first for me, but it was really very hot and in the end I think it was a smart decision.
When all was finished--the Saint placed back in his hermitage--we dug into a potluck lunch and very shortly thereafter, I had to take Adam and María to catch the train back to Madrid. It was a very quick visit, and with so much celebrating going on it went by even quicker, but it was lovely to see them after so much time and great share the party with them, too.
I owe you more than one back-blog about my Aunt's visit and other goings on in town...but for now they'll have to wait.
Excellent post Viola. Sort of sad to hear it's the last, but I guess being accepted into the church is a good thing. Did the new Pope have anything to do with it?? Great photos as always. Sure love you Daughter of mine!
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