Modern roads lead to the edge of El Rocio and then stop. In the town the roads are sandy, much better for the horses.
Although the town is small it’s currently preparing itself for an influx of about a million pilgrims. They will walk or ride or arrive in old fashioned caravans drawn by tractors. A few will come in carts drawn by bullocks. The women will be dressed in their flamenco finery. The roads will be blocked with traffic, some already are. No cars will be parked in the town.
They will be coming to pay their respects to the Virgen Del Rocio or Virgin of the Dew but they may well have a party while they’re there. The tradition dates back to the 13th Century.
Mass will overflow from the lovely old church. A grandstand has been erected in the square to hold some of the overflow.
bobmcgee 