Shortly after 21:30, a large parade set off from La Muralla preceding the float of the Virgen de la Peña, marking the most important day of the year for the people of Mijas on the evening of 8th September. Before leaving the Parish Church of the Inmaculada Concepción, the brotherhood gave the first rings of the bell to two veteran bearers.
Gold and tuberoses
The patron saint, resting on her gold and silver float,
was dressed by the custodian of worship in a cloak and gown embroidered in gold and pristine white by Juan Rosen. The float's floral displays were once again this year dominated by traditional tuberoses. The 110 men and women carrying the float were guided by head bearers Javier Martín and Francisco Plaza at the front, and Francisco Roca and Lázaro Moreno at the rear.
The musical accompaniment was provided by the Las Lagunas Music Group, the Nuestra Señora de la Paz Band from Málaga, and the El Paso y la Esperanza Bugle and Drum Band, also from Málaga. Throughout the sweltering night, the three groups provided the soundtrack to a scene etched into the memory of all present.
The group of women wearing mantillas saw high participation this year, as did the other sections, completing a massive procession that stretched along the entire route.
Shower of petals for the Virgin
During the procession, the Queen of El Compás was showered with flower petals on four separate occasions: from the balcony of La Jarita; at the Casa Museo, where the bell of San Sebastián Church tolled as the float passed; on Calle Carril, where two local residents sang traditional songs in honour of the Virgin; and on Calle Coín.
As the procession passed through Barrio Santana, the Church of Los Remedios paid homage to the patron saint with a peal of bells. From there, the parade retraced its steps, visiting iconic spots as La Puente, Plaza de la Constitución, and the decorative dome erected by the brotherhood in her honour. Finally, on Avenida de El Compás, the Nuevo Día orchestra performed a 'Salve' to the patron saint and a 'sevillana' dedicated to the festival.
Return to her hermitage
The return to the sanctuary brought one of the brotherhood’s most significant changes this year. The bearers carried the float up to the doors of the hermitage and, after removing the carrying poles, borught the Mother of Mijas inside the chapel. Meanwhile, the parish priest of Mijas, Hermán Marcel Lunar, invited parishioners to sing the hymn to the Virgen de la Peña. Once again, the town’s patron saint shone bright before her devoted people, wrapped in the unconditional love of Mijas.
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