Spain’s Rocio pilgrimage party returns after Covid hiatus

A pilgrim lights a candle in the sanctuary of the virgin of the Rocío (Joan Mateu Parra/AP)

The riotously colourful and ancient La Romeria del Rocio – or the Rocio virgin pilgrimage – has returned to Spain after a two-year hiatus forced by the pandemic.

Tens of thousands of pilgrims, many of them outfitted in tiered flamenco dresses, crisp riding suits and wide-brimmed Cordoba hats, descended on the tiny village of El Rocio to take part.