Festa do Mexillón – FMB | Vilanova de Arousa

Sea procession

One of the most emotional and colourful moments of the Mussel and Cockle Festival of Vilanova de Arousa is the sea procession held in honour of the Virgen del Carmen, patron saint of the people of the sea.
The Brotherhood of A Pastoriza, founder of the celebration, takes centre stage in this activity, which begins with a solemn mass in honour of the Virgen del Carmen in the Parish Church of San Cibrán.
The most eye-catching moment comes when, in the afternoon, the sailors move the image of the Virgin from the chapel to the surroundings of the Mar de Santiago ferry station. There, the procession meets the sculpture that is kept at the Vilanova dock.
After this meeting, the sea procession begins. Dozens of boats adorned with flowers and garlands of flags begin the traditional procession that reaches as far as the bridge in the neighbouring municipality of A Illa de Arousa. During the tour there is an emotional stop, in which the participants throw flowers into the water in memory of those lost at sea.

On its return, the procession is received by musical groups to give way to the end of the celebration of the Day of El Carmen within the Mussel and Cockle Festival.
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