Forty years ago, the 'Virgen de la Paz' (Our Lady of Peace) arrived for the first time at El Esparragal park following her pilgrimage through Las Lagunas. She was accompanied by a small group of pilgrims who, with great effort and enthusiasm, carried the patron saint of this town. On Sunday 25th of May, four decades later, the same joy and devotion filled the air, but this time she was accompanied by a large crowd.

This was a very important day in the Mijas calendar for two reasons: firstly, because this celebration pays tribute to the 'Virgen de la Paz'; and secondly, because of its special anniversary. At 11:15 hours, she left the parish church of San Manuel González to the sounds of the Las Lagunas Music Group, which played the national anthem as she was carried on an ox cart guided by Salvador and Noel Porras. The Unión del Cante and Santiago choirs dedicated several songs to her, both at the start and along the route to the park. Neighbours and authorities, including the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), accompanied the patron saint. "Traditions must be preserved. Forty years of the 'Virgen de la Paz' in Las Lagunas is something for which we must thank all those who have made it possible for the tradition to continue. Especially women like María López Merino, who were the ones who wanted Las Lagunas to have its own Virgin", said the mayoress.

The procession

Up to four carts took part in the procession, including those of AV. María Barranco, AV. Nueva Laguna, AV Tamisa and Peña Los Poquitos, the latter also pulled by oxen. It was a pilgrimage where the patron saint was warmly welcomed by neighbours in the streets, on the terraces of bars, and even from balconies, despite the heat. "I'm very happy because everyone is enjoying. It's a bit hot, but we're enjoying it, which is what matters", said Bosco Rivas, president of the Brotherhood of Jesús Vivo.

Dressed in their pilgrim and flamenco attire, neighbours paraded through the main streets of Las Lagunas, dancing and singing until they reached the roundabout at the El Cartujano estate, where the Mijas Town Hall offered refreshments and some 60 rides from the Peña Caballista de Mijas joined the procession. The president of the group, Juan López Ayala, said that "a group of us from the club committed ourselves and then we invited friends. People are participating and committing themselves because it's good to do this again as best we can, well dressed and in good conditions".

The baptism

Another highlight of the pilgrimage was the baptism in the Gomenaro River which, after the drought experienced in recent years, were able to resume for this anniversary. Some pilgrims were blessed, including the mayoress Ana Mata, the new parish priest Manuel Jiménez and the president of the brotherhood. The celebration of this anniversary involved great effort from the neighbours, the brotherhood and the Town Hall, all paying tribute to the 'Virgen de la Paz' on her 40th anniversary. The councillor for Festivities and Traditions, Silvia Marín (PP), said that "it has been one of the most popular pilgrimages I can remember and the truth is that the route was very beautiful, especially the arrival here at El Esparragal park, where the brotherhood took the opportunity to perform the baptism in the Gomenaro River". Her colleague on the government team, the first deputy mayor, Juan Carlos Cuevas Dawson (VOX), said that "there is a very good atmosphere. I am very grateful to the brotherhood and to Father Manuel, who also said some very nice words, and it is important to maintain the tradition of the Virgin, it is wonderful. It has been a very beautiful journey". Finally, the spokesperson for the PSOE in Mijas, Josele González, said that "I am very happy to be able to accompany the 'Virgen de la Paz' once again this year and so many Laguneros who have been making this journey for so many years. It is a day to have fun and remember that our traditions are still alive". There was also a special security and cleaning operation throughout the day to ensure everything ran smoothly, and it did.

Once at El Esparragal, and after placing the Virgin in her temple, it was time to enjoy the paella offered by the Town Hall for 500 people, the traditional popular games and a horse dressage display. The day ended with the presentation of prizes to the carts, pilgrims and riders.

This day, which serves as the prelude to the Las Lagunas Fair, was undoubtedly enjoyed in the best possible way: with music, family, and tradition.

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