A Tradition Rooted in Leonese History
Next Sunday, July 6, the Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Way, located six kilometers from the city of León along the French Way of St. James, will be the setting for the commemoration of the 520th anniversary of the Marian apparition. This religious event annually attracts thousands of devotees in a day that combines faith, tradition, and cultural heritage.
Origins of the Devotion
According to Catholic tradition, the Virgin appeared to the shepherd Alvar Simón Fernández on July 2, 1505, in the place known as El Humilladero. This event marked the beginning of a devotion that has remained alive for over five centuries, transforming the site into an important center of Marian pilgrimage. Currently, a chapel within the Parish Church stands at the site of the apparition.
Celebration Program
This year’s pilgrimage-procession will feature a significant particularity: it will follow the reverse of the usual route. At 11:45 a.m., the image of the Virgin will be carried from the Parish Church to the Basilica, accompanied by the Pendones del Voto and the Virgen del Camino School Music Band. At 1:00 p.m., a solemn Eucharist will be celebrated in the Basilica, the central act of the commemoration.
Community Gathering
The festive day will conclude around 3:00 p.m. with a popular meal that will allow attendees to share a fraternal encounter while enjoying local gastronomy. This social component reinforces the community sense of devotion to the Virgin of the Way, patron saint of the region.
Historical and Religious Significance
The Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Way maintains a deep connection with the history and cultural identity of León. Its location along the Way of St. James has made this place a spiritual meeting point for pilgrims and faithful, consolidating its role as a reference for popular religiosity in northwestern Spain.
Original source: infoleon.infobierzo.com (published on July 6, 2025)
Photo: Jonathan Borba on Unsplash
