Images and videos of the fence jump and the procession of the Virgin of Rocío: what time it took place and all the details

The early hours of Monday, June 9th, once again brought the faithful of El Rocío one of the most eagerly awaited moments of the Andalusian religious calendar : the leap over the fence. At 2:42 a.m., with restrained emotion and fervor at their peak, the people of Almonte performed this traditional scene marking the beginning of the procession of the Virgin of El Rocío, the White Dove, through the streets of the village.

Although the start time always depends on multiple factors, this year the jump occurred a few minutes earlier than in 2024, when it was recorded at 2:56 a.m. Several previous attempts and the growing expectation resulted in an explosion of joy when the people of Almonte jumped over the fence as soon as the Simpecado of the Hermandad Matriz appeared at the door of the sanctuary.

As tradition dictates, the bearers waited until the Simpecado was perfectly aligned in front of the Virgin before setting out. Just four minutes later, the Marian image crossed the sanctuary portico and began its journey, carried by the children of Almonte, amid cheers, tears, and prayers.

This year, the procession includes a small but significant change. The route has been slightly extended, approximately 100 meters, in the area surrounding Plaza de Doñana. This modification aims to alleviate the large concentration of brotherhoods in that section, allowing for a more fluid and safer flow for all participants.

Thus, at the end of her journey along Camaristas Street, the Virgin turned right to cross Doñana Square through the central aisle that divides the two garden areas. This decision was welcomed by pilgrims, who were able to view their Patron Saint from new and more comfortable angles.

More than 150 brotherhoods

Devotion to the White Dove knows no distance. This year, more than 127 affiliated brotherhoods gathered in the village, in addition to the "aggregate" groups that, although not yet affiliated, also made the pilgrimage to Almonte. In total, around 150 simpecados prostrated themselves before the Virgin, in a demonstration of collective faith that surpasses any statistical data.

Previously, on Sunday night, the traditional Holy Rosary was celebrated, with the participation of all the brotherhoods and musical accompaniment from the choir of the Brotherhood of Our Lady of Rocío of Murcia. Presided over by the Matriz Brotherhood, it was one of the most emotional moments before the great event of the early morning.

The atmosphere in El Rocío is even more special this year. The pilgrimage is being held in the middle of the Jubilee Year, which has multiplied the attendance of devotees and visitors. Furthermore, it is the first celebration since the Hermandad Matriz (Madrid Brotherhood) completed the ordination of the various brotherhoods, a process that has marked a new stage in the organization of the event.

For this reason, the Pontifical Mass on Sunday changed location to accommodate all the affiliates and associates, reflecting the spirit of unity that has been very present in this edition.

The Virgin of Rocío continues her journey through the village surrounded by thousands of pilgrims. As always, the length of the procession is unpredictable. In 2024, the White Dove returned to the sanctuary at 2:10 p.m. after more than 11 hours of travel. This year, it is still unknown when she will conclude her visit to each of the brotherhoods, but what is certain is that the fervor does not wane with the passing of the hours.