1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites

El Rocío: Where young and old celebrate their faith

05:34

This browser does not support the video element.

June 13, 2026

Every Pentecost, a small spanish town attracts a million pilgrims. What does it mean for young people to participate in the festival?

The Romería de El Rocío is a large celebration of faith and tradition. Fifty days after Easter, Christian believers from all over Spain gather in a small village near Seville. Many travel for days on foot or on horseback, all united by a single purpose: to honor the Virgin Mary on Pentecost, the moment when the Holy Spirit appeared to Jesus' followers. It is one of the largest Catholic pilgrimages in Europe. Among the faithful is 25-year-old nurse Emilia Blanca Ortega, who follows a family tradition started by her grandparents. Although religiosity in Spain is declining, especially among the younger generation, Emilia sees her faith as a source of strength in both her personal and professional life. We accompanied her through this emotional religious festival.

Meggin Leigh Presenter and reporter for Deutsche Welle's lifestyle and culture TV show, Euromaxx
Skip next section DW's Top Story

DW's Top Story

Skip next section More stories from DW

More stories from DW