The North East Territory is gearing up to observe one of the lengthiest and most significant pilgrimages on the region’s pilgrimage schedule. Next Sunday, 18th May, the town of Valley of War will be marking the 75th edition of its pilgrimage in honour of San Isidro Labrador and Santa María de la Cabeza. The event will feature approximately thirty carts, carriages, numerous folklore groups, as well as both planned and spontaneous musical festivities and the traditional dances.
Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, the Mayor of The lagoon, emphasises the significance of the Valle de Guerra pilgrimage due to its historical importance and deep-seated roots among the locals. Additionally, the first Lagunero mayor highlights the Valles’ distinctive character and way of life, “a community dedicated to preserving our traditions and the longstanding agricultural and livestock heritage, faithfully presented in this unique pilgrimage, now celebrating its 75th edition this year.”
Festival Councillor Dailos González expresses gratitude towards the Festival Commission, all involved in the festivities, and those who contribute to its success. He explains that “the pilgrimage will set off at 1:00 p.m. following a church service held at 12:00 noon in Our Lady of the Rosary church. Departing from the ecclesiastical building, the pilgrimage will proceed along the main road, following its traditional route towards the bridge area, before concluding back at Plaza de Valle de Guerra.”
The origins of this celebration, as recorded by Derimán Alonso, a former president of the Festival Commission and a key figure in the Valle de Guerra festivities, can be traced back to the 18th century. It was during this time that the locals took to the streets of Valle de Guerra to commemorate the festival of San Isidro, involving religious ceremonies, livestock blessings, and processions around the church square. Over time, especially in the mid-20th century, the celebrations evolved to the form we recognize today, with the inclusion of livestock, decorated carts featuring agricultural and floral motifs from the region, added to the aforementioned events.
