More than 13,000 people joined today the patron saint of Totana, Santa Eulalia of Mérida, in its traditional procession down from his sanctuary in Sierra Espuña to the city, coinciding with the celebration of the festivities in his honor, according to sources from the Local police.
The magnificent weather of the day have made hundreds of pilgrims have participated in the procession;
and have also focused on the area of ​​El Rulo thousands of residents waiting to receive the patron.
Since the morning, many people have been accessing the vicinity of the shrine of La Santa, where they waited until the traditional procession began.
To make the wait more bearable and warm, in the hours before the start of the descent, there have been crumbs and sausage accompanied by the traditional "mantellina" typical drink made of honey, anise, water and lemon, that bottled or boot, has served to sweeten and heat throats.
Furthermore, as is tradition, at seven o'clock the Department of Celebration invited to taste a hot chocolate, while the eight o'clock has officiated a Mass inside the shrine of La Santa.
At nine o'clock, the image of Santa Eulalia has started the procession, cover the shoulders by the brothers of La Santa, and dressed in his red suit romera, sheltered by thousands of people and traditional songs of the crews.
Three hours later, the image of Santa Eulalia has reached the hamlet of El Rulo, where he was received by the civil and religious city officials, and members of the Holy Foundation, which on this occasion has also joined the president of the Autonomous Community, Alberto Garre.
In addition, there were numerous neighbors who have gathered there admiring the image of the patron.
This year also, has also been totanera artist Maria Garcia, better known as "Barbara King," which just last December 5 received the title of Favourite Daughter of the City of Totana.
From El Rulo, after the fireworks that has exploded in his honor, the image of the patron has continued to the hermitage of San Roque, where he was received by cheers and applause and whose arrival has toned his hymn "Glory and Honor ".
In the chapel of San Roque's patron until Tuesday morning will be transferred to the Church of Santiago, where he remained until now January 7 at it again on pilgrimage, return to their sanctuary.
See feature I:
http://www.totana.com/reportajes/2014/12/romeria-de-bajada-de-santa-eulalia-de-merida/
Source: Ayuntamiento de Totana. Foto: Totana.com