After the floral offering on Friday at the San Manuel González parish church, the residents of Las Lagunas experienced one of their most special days last Sunday, 4th of June, with the traditional pilgrimage in honour of the Virgen de la Paz. The events began with the celebration of holy mass in the church of Las Lagunas, which continued with the traditional procession of the image to El Esparragal park. 

From very early in the morning, and with the sun shining brightly, the event was followed by many neighbours and devotees of the Virgen de la Paz, who looked really beautiful for her big day. With the help of the members of the Brotherhood of Jesús Vivo, the image was placed on the ox cart to the sounds of the flamenco choir Unión del Cante. It left its temple followed by several floats, horses and the best festive atmosphere, as the parish priest of Las Lagunas himself, José María Ramos, emphasised. "This day should be used to laugh, help each other and make others happy, because that is all that a mother wants, all that the Virgen de la Paz wants, today and always", said the priest. 

In spite of the heat, the route through the streets of the town of Las Lagunas was very pleasant, with dances, toasts, greetings and the occasional stop to recover energy. "This year was a bit different from previous years because we had fewer floats but, nevertheless, many people accompanied our Virgen de la Paz, and we are very happy for this great walk", said Manuel Ordóñez, elder brother of the Brotherhood of Jesús Vivo. 

The liveliness and the desire to have a good time marked the whole route, thanks also to the rhythm offered by the Las Lagunas Musical Group. In this regard, Laura Gallardo, one of the participants, pointed out that "life goes so fast that we often don't stop to think that what is really important is to enjoy with our family, with our neighbours and to share these kinds of traditions". 

The last part of the route, next to the river Gomenaro, was undoubtedly the most enjoyed by the pilgrims, "in addition we have been accompanied by quite a few horse riders, which has further embellished this pleasant walk along this greenway that we have next to the river," said the mayor of Mijas, Josele González (PSOE), who also made the complete route in the company of the neighbours, as did the PP spokesman in the Town Hall, Ángel Nozal, who pointed out that "it is always a pleasure to meet the people of Las Lagunas and the parish priest José María, who spoke some very kind words of concord in homage to the Virgen de la Paz". 

Arrival at the park

The arrival of the pilgrims to the El Esparragal park was lived with special emotion, with moments of prayer mixed with applause and words of great affection for the Virgin of Las Lagunas. The Mijas Town Councillor for Fiestas, Tamara Vera (PSOE), took the opportunity to "thank all the residents who have participated in this pilgrimage, as well as all the groups who have made the journey, who have decorated their floats and accompanied the procession, not forgetting the Unión del Cante Choir and, of course, the brotherhood of Jesús Vivo, who have participated very actively in this day".

After an intense walk, it was time to enjoy the rest of the day, starting with lunch, courtesy of the Mijas Town Hall, all in a cheerful and very familiar atmosphere. "It has been a very hot day, however, the park El Esparragal has been full and the three paellas we have prepared have all been finished, so we are very happy", said the councillor for the government team, Laura Moreno (PSOE).

The president of the Tamisa Neighbourhood Association, Isabel Becerra, was very happy with the walk, "because it is very nice to go behind the Virgin singing, dancing and giving everything, that's our thing and you can't lose it", while Purificación Domínguez, another neighbour of this group, described the pilgrimage as "unique, because we always have a great time with friends". 

There was also plenty of dancing, with live music, and the traditional game of tug-of-war between bachelors against married men and bachelorette against married women. In both genders, the latter won. "We're having a great time, dancing and eating, and we'll leave when it gets quieter, not before", insisted neighbour Ana López. 

Awards

In recognition of their efforts, the Mijas Town Hall awarded prizes to the best decorated floats. The residents of Nueva Laguna won third place, the Hermandad de Jesús Vivo took second place and the winners were the residents of the María Barranco association. "This year we have decorated our float with a bit of green and the colours we wear on the skirt, which are those of the Mijas flag, although we have also added the colour of our association, which is pink", explained Susana Ortiz, president of the Nueva Laguna association.

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