Update: a first version of this article indicated that the event would take place on Saturday, September 6. This is a typo because the event will take place on Saturday, September 13.
The boat of the Virgen de la Alarilla will sail the waters of the Tagus River again on Saturday, September 13. This river procession is the only freshwater procession in Spain and has been celebrated in Fuentidueña del Tajo for more than 150 years.
Following tradition, the Virgin descends more than 800 meters down the Tagus River, accompanied by her devotees and preceded by swimmers who light the way with torches. In the darkness of the night, the boat in which the virgin travels stands out, adorned with almost two thousand colored bulbs. In addition, the members of a local peña also worship her in this crossing with their songs and aquatic choreographies.
The fluvial procession of the Virgin of Alarilla has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in the category of Cultural Fact. It is celebrated every Saturday before the second Sunday of September and has its origin in 1866, which makes it a sign of identity for the inhabitants of Fuentidueña del Tajo.
Fruit of the need
The tradition of crossing the river with the Virgin of the Alarilla was not born as a religious ritual, but as part of a historical fact. In 1866, when General Prim failed in his attempt to overthrow Isabel II in Madrid, he fled with his troops and passed through Fuentidueña del Tajo.
There he ordered to destroy the bridge to prevent his pursuers from reaching it, so that the inhabitants of the municipality were cut off. In order to move the virgin, they had to place her on a rope boat, giving rise to this tradition, which has been repeated every year except in 2020 due to the pandemic.
Procession, food and fireworks
Every year, the inhabitants of Fuentidueña del Tajo await the arrival of this unique river procession. Thanks to the participation of the peñas and neighbors, this tradition is kept alive and combines religious ritual with festivities, lights, sounds and community spirit.
Before crossing the Tagus River, the virgin travels a route on the shoulders of men and young people, until she arrives at the hermitage of the Virgin of Alarilla. After a break for a picnic, the women carry the image to the new bridge, where everything is prepared for the traditional embarkation. Finally, the day culminates with a fireworks display.
