San Javier traditions: 3rd February Romería of San Blas

This is the only non-marine Romería in the Mar Menor

The Romería de San Blas is held every 3rd February in Santiago de la Ribera, the main residential area of the municipality of San Javier on the shore of the Mar Menor, and is the only non-maritime Romeria in the Mar Menor. 

The origins of the celebration date back to the 16th century, when the Trinitarian monks brought their devotion to San Blas and the celebration of his feast day to San Javier and La Ribera, although the Romería in its current format did not begin until 1980.

The Romería is always held on 3rd February and follows the celebration of the Candelaria (Candlemas), which is on the 2nd of the month.

All of the events take place around the church of San Blas, where the peña groups participating in the various activities around the festivities set up "encampments".

Alongside the peñas encampment is a collection of stalls alongside the Ermita de San Blas, which is behind Avenida Luis Federico Guirao. These sell the normal selections of crispy coated nuts, sunflower seeds, sweets and popcorn found at most fiestas around the Region of Murcia, but are also garlanded with brightly coloured ribbons and coloured cords, holding little terracotta figures of San Blas, many of them painted gold.

Traditionally terracotta figures were placed above the bed of children in a family, in the belief that they would keep throat infections at bay, and these little figures are still sold at this Romería.

Participants also distribute bread rolls which have been blessed inside the church: these are also believed to keep throat infections at bay.

At 10.00 on 3rd February the bells of the parish church, La Iglesia de Santiago Apostol in Calle  Oshea, close to the seafront, announce that the figure of San Blas is beginning his journey to the church, accompanied by neighbours and visitors, many of them clad in typical "huertano" clothes, along with horsemen. The Saint emerges from the church, carried on a wooden throne decked with flowers, and accompanied by hundreds of local inhabitants.

If you´ve never been to a Romeria before, they are very enjoyable, regardless of the religious element, and for many people are as much a community act as an expression of faith. The figure of the Saint is carried slowly, surrounded by the crowd, all enjoying a festive atmosphere. There is always music, rockets banging in the sky and conversation as the image of the Saint passes, with an atmosphere of festivity which many are surprised to find when participating in their first Romería.

When the Romería arrives at the church of San Blas, the Huertana Holy Mass is performed. This is a colourful and joyful ceremony, enlivened by the choir of Santiago Apóstol, and offerings of fruit and flowers from the surrounding countryside are made to the saint. It's very crowded inside the church, so make sure to be inside the building before the Saint arrives.

The Misa Huertana is a choral Mass, with folk music accompaniment, and is enjoyable in its own right regardless of its religious function.

After Mass, the revellers begin a long day of feasting in the encampment they’ve erected for their various peñas, and a paella is offered to all those who took part in the event by the municipal council, as thousands of people come from across the region to participate in the occasion.

Taking part is easy: just wait at the door of the church at Santiago de la Ribera with everyone else and then follow the Saint, enjoying a walk in the sunshine with Santiago de la Ribera’s oldest resident!

Click here to read more about the history of the cult of San Blas in San Javier

For more information about the municipality of San Javier go to SAN JAVIER TODAY.