Residents show their enthusiasm as the ‘Mare de Déu’ statue returns to her chapel

The Alcala de Xivert patron will remain in her abode until next year’s celebrations
Hundreds of people were in the streets to honour and say farewell to the town’s patron.  The ‘Mare de Déu dels Desemparats’ left the Church of St. John the Baptist, where it has been for the past week receiving people’s affection, and took her route back to her chapel, where she will remain for the rest of the year.
The last service held in her honour brought together hundreds of residents who then took part in one of the most moving processions in the town’s religious calendar.  Carried on the shoulders by the bearers who the organisers choose each year, the ‘Mare de Déu’ was processed through the usual streets in the midst of cheers and applause, to be brought back to her chapel at the end of the procession.
Mayor Francisco Juan, with the town’s councillors, representatives of the security forces and the town’s ‘festeras’ all took part in the ceremony which is very important for the town’s residents.  Proof of this is that the brotherhood of the town’s patron brings together thousands of people.