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The Virgin of Anguish of Granada has a day not to be missed
"Celebrate the day of the Patron of Granada
The fiesta of The Virgin of Anguish of Granada is in September. She is the patron saint of Granada and has one of the most important celebrations in our favourite city.
Her Spanish name is La Virgen de las Angustias which translates into The Virgin of Anguish, or the Virgin of Sorrows, although she is also popularly known as Our Lady of Sorrows.
This colourful spectacle of one of the main celebrations in Andalucia starts every year in the middle of September and culminates on the last Sunday of the month. There are more than two weeks for everyone to enjoy the "fun".
Pictures showing celebrations for the Virgin of Anguish of Granada
(photo credit Ideal Newspapers)
In 2010, Granada council changed the name of the road outside the Basilica of The Virgin of Sorrows from La Carrera del Genil to Carrera de la Virgen (The Street of the Virgin) as a mark of respect to our patron.
Celebrations start in the middle of September when the mayor of Granada makes a floral offering to our patron saint, and this is followed by similar offerings from her penitents.
A metal framework is set up along the front walls of the Basilica. This holds the thousands of flowers brought to give thanks for favours received and to ask for petitions and blessings yet to come. The perfume of thousands of flowers mix with the smell of food and cakes of the celebrations.
The day of the Virgin of Anguish of Granada truly is a feast of the senses.
During the week previous to last Sunday of September stalls are set out around the the Fuente de Las Batallas (Fountain of the Battles) at Puerta Real.
It is here that you can buy pomegranate, the symbol of the city of Granada along with raisins, dates, and, of the traditional Cake of the Virgin. Whatever your tastes, you can have it with sweet pumpkin, cream or chocolate.
And so the day of the Celebrations dawn - it's the last Sunday of September and The Fiesta de La Virgen de las Angustias begins.
Early Sunday morning the procession leaves the Basilica situated near El Cortes Ingles in the middle of Granada, and heads off to the Cathedral. During the daytime, there are holy celebrations of mass and benediction and then, around 6.00pm. the long procession brings her back to her home - the Basilica of the Virgin of Anguish.
The hymn of the Virgin of Anguish in Granada is sung out loud and clear by the faithful...
| Spanish | English | Oh Virgen de las Angustias
Reina y Madre de Granada,
Que es, a tus plantas postrada,
Hoguera de fe y de amor.
En la vida y en la muerte,
Protégenos con tu manto,
Y nos consiga tu llanto
El amparo del Señor.
| Oh Lady of Anguish
Queen and Mother of Granada,
That is, your people prostrate
In a fire of faith and love.
In life and in death,
Protect us with your mantle
And we get through your tears
The protection of the Lord.
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Thousands of pilgrims, visitors and sightseers throng the streets to catch sight of the procession and to pay their respects during this Holy Day. Coaches bring pilgrims from all over Spain so they can pay their respects and the city fills with hope and adulation of the Virgin.
The true devotion of the Virgin of Sorrows by Granada's people goes all the way back to the legacy of the great Catholic Queen Isabel when she and King Ferdinand won back Granada from the Moors and she brought the memories of her childhood with her and her respect for "Our Lady".
This is a day not to be missed. The day of the Virgin of Anguish of Granada is here.
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The Granada Blog brings you the truth about the most important fiestas and festivals, including that of the Virgin of Anguish of Granada. This is perhaps THE most important celebration in the whole of Andalucia, Try to take part in whichever way suits you.
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