Virgin of El Rocío dressed for Almonte’s August 19 arrival

The statue of the Virgin of El Rocío was unveiled in Almonte dressed in a new Pastora habit, marking the start of the seven‑yearly "Venida" that will take place on 19 August. The ensemble includes a saya made from an ancient spoli with gold‑fine embroidery, fine silk velvet slave (esclavina) adorned with radial poppy motifs, celestial ribbons and vegetal elements, and a hand‑woven brocade mantle. Decorative details feature gold and silver threads, natural pearls, precious stones, and a silver‑gold plaited poppy brooch, all donated by anonymous devotees and local brotherhoods.

The garments were designed and crafted locally by the Mamé de la Vega studio, with José María Carrasco Salas directing the embroidery. Contributions also came from the Hermandad del Rocío de Emigrantes, the Hermandad del Rocío de la Macarena and private donor Yolanda Tron Rueda. The Virgin will appear without a crown, wearing a handcrafted pamela decorated with poppies and dried flowers, as tradition dictates for the Pastora attire during the Venida.