Our Lady of Carmen Festivities

July 16 Regional Tourist Interest

 

Devotion to Our Lady of Carmen, Patron Saint of Fishermen, began in the 18^th century, although the maritime pilgrimage across the waters of Mar Menor did not start until 1892. Ever since, the town of San Pedro del Pinatar has celebrated the festivities of Our Lady of Carmen every July 16, with a pilgrimage on water and land that brings together hundreds of believers and visitors who want to feel and enjoy the charm of these celebrations. 

 

These festivities, declared of Regional Tourist Interest in 1965, start at 7 AM with the town's music band playing in the streets until they reach plaza de la Constitución, square where at 8 AM a mass is held to honor Our Lady of Carmen. Around 9 AM the pilgrimage starts on land, with believers carrying the image of Our Lady on their backs towards the waters of Mar Menor (Lo Pagán), where a number of boats duly decorated take over and continue with the maritime pilgrimage. The most emotional moment is when red carnations are thrown to the sea and a minute of silence is observed to pay tribute to sailors who lost their lives to the sea. Around midday, a mass is held in the Fish Market esplanade and then Image of Our Lady is taken to the church of Our Lady of Carmen, in Lo Pagán, where it stays the rest of the day so that believers can pay their respect. At midnight, the pilgrims bring the image of Our Lady back to San Pedro del Pinatar, where at about 2 AM on July 17, it enters the church of San Pedro Apóstol while believers sing a naval salute, marking the end of the festivities.