Muxía attracts pilgrims for traditional stone rituals

Volunteers and pilgrims from Spain and abroad have gathered in Muxía, A Coruña, to participate in the A Barca festivities and traditional stone rituals. The event draws crowds to the coastal town, which was previously known globally due to the Prestige oil spill in 2002.

Participants engage in various local traditions involving sacred rocks near the sanctuary. These include the Abalar stone, which requires rhythmic movement to rock; the Cadrís stone, which involves passing under it nine times to heal kidneys; and stones intended to cure migraines or ensure eternal love. These pagan practices have been assimilated into Christian religious traditions and continue to attract international media attention.