On the day of Saint Sebastian, parishioners from Conil carry their Patron Saint as part of a procession which dates back to the 16th century. It was originally a religious pilgrimage which today has become a big celebration which attracts more than 20,000 people and goes on until the early hours of the morning in the pine forest of el Colorado. This year the celebration, known as “Romería de los Palmitos” takes place on 21 January which is the Sunday nearest to Saints day.
 
The original sanctuary disappeared in 19th century and the pilgrimage was forgotten. However 25 years ago the tradition started up again stronger than ever and although the religious aspects are not overlooked, it is a good excuse to enjoy the countryside, meet with friends and sing and dance.
 
The ceremony begins early at 8.30am with a “rociero” choir singing in the church “Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno” (Our Father Jesus of Nazareth), a 16th century chapel where the Saint is buried. The chapel is found in the historical old town of Conil, in front of the well known “Torre de Guzmán”.

After mass, at about 9.30am, the procession sets off for el Colorado. It is popularly known as “romería de los Palmitos” (procession of the Palm Hearts) since the young traditionally gather palm hearts and then eat them under the palm trees. This is one of the very places where, with special permission, you can enjoy this wild delicacy.

In front of the Patron Saint’s wagon is preceded by a band and behind it is followed by numerous wagons and carts decorated with flowers, garlands, shawls, coloured lace embroideries and lanterns. Inside are the pilgrims who, in typical Andalusian fashion, sing rumbas, sevillanas and other flamenco music.

Trailers, horsemen from all around the province and tractors with floral motifs and other adornments bring up the rear of the procession. It goes through the centre of the town, going through the old city gates (Arco de la Villa) before reaching la calle Rosa de los Vientos where it meets up with other wagons, horsemen and pilgrims on foot who have gathered there. Locals from Conil and visitors then wave the procession off before it takes the “Pradillo” road leading to “El Colorado”.

The ride

The ride through the Conil countryside with its fields and orchards is extremely pleasant, festive and lively with the pilgrims enjoying the gentle morning breeze, lubricating the vocal chords with the tasty local wine before singing popular traditional songs.
 
Encounters, waves and greetings along the route from friends and family, handsomely dressed horsemen and women, colourfully decorated wagons, the smell of fine forests…all contribute to making this pilgrimage a festive occasion not to be missed.

Late in the morning the procession reaches a small parish chapel of the Virgin of Fatima where prayers of welcome are said and the priceless image of Saint Sebastian, which was sculpted in 1588 by Pedro Daín, is set down.

In the pine forest

Locals from the village and the neighbouring areas gather in the pine forest to enjoy a day in the country where food as well as laughter and dancing are shared.
In the pine forest there are stalls selling drinks, crisps and nuts, palm hearts as well as other attractions fo