Alcalà de Xivert
Alcala town pays homage to its patron
![[Img #7618]](upload/img/periodico/img_7618.jpg)
The fervour in Alcala for its patron could be seen again on Sunday13th May when the whole town turned out in the streets to pay homage to its best-loved virgin. The ‘Mare de Déu de Desemparats’ was acclaimed by residents when the statue was taken from the chapel where it is kept all year round, to receive the affection of the faithful for a whole week.
Accompanied by the supporters, the authorities, with Francisco Juan at their head, the ‘festeras’ and dozens of people attired in traditional costumes, the statue of the saint was carried on men’s shoulders along the main streets in the old part of the town.
Clara Esteve, Pascual Ebrí, Paquita Peraire and Paco García are the supporters who, by tradition, took charge of the fiesta this year. During the next few days, when the ‘Mare de Déu’ is in the St. John the Baptist Church, the draw will be held to see who will be the supporters in 2013.
Flowers, ‘els angelets’, ‘valencians i valencianes’... In the first of the processions in honour of the local patron, some of the most curious traditions of this much loved fiesta in Alcala could be seen and enjoyed.
Now the statue of the patron will remain in the St. John the Baptist church where the traditional novenas services will be held during the whole week. The following Sunday the Virgen de los Desamparados will take leave of the town and return to her chapel.
The fervour in Alcala for its patron could be seen again on Sunday13th May when the whole town turned out in the streets to pay homage to its best-loved virgin. The ‘Mare de Déu de Desemparats’ was acclaimed by residents when the statue was taken from the chapel where it is kept all year round, to receive the affection of the faithful for a whole week.
Accompanied by the supporters, the authorities, with Francisco Juan at their head, the ‘festeras’ and dozens of people attired in traditional costumes, the statue of the saint was carried on men’s shoulders along the main streets in the old part of the town.
Clara Esteve, Pascual Ebrí, Paquita Peraire and Paco García are the supporters who, by tradition, took charge of the fiesta this year. During the next few days, when the ‘Mare de Déu’ is in the St. John the Baptist Church, the draw will be held to see who will be the supporters in 2013.
Flowers, ‘els angelets’, ‘valencians i valencianes’... In the first of the processions in honour of the local patron, some of the most curious traditions of this much loved fiesta in Alcala could be seen and enjoyed.
Now the statue of the patron will remain in the St. John the Baptist church where the traditional novenas services will be held during the whole week. The following Sunday the Virgen de los Desamparados will take leave of the town and return to her chapel.
