A great day out with hundreds of local residents in the mountains behind La Azohía

One of the most popular events of the year in the coastal villages of Isla Plana and La Azohía is the traditional Romería which takes place every January, taking participants up the ravine beneath the peaks of Peñas Blancas to the tiny chapel which stands among the reed beds in the valley.

The 2026 event is being held on Sunday 11^th January, beginning at 8.00 in the morning at the church of San Antonio de Padua in the inland village of Tallante with a blessing given by the local priest before hot chocolate and buns are served for all at 9.00. The hike into the mountains then begins at 9.30, with stops along the way at the homes of various residents before the group arrives at the chapel of Santiago Apóstol in Rincón de Sumiedo at 11.00: at this point it’s time for another snack!

The figure of the Virgen de la Luz is then carried up to the Rambla de El Cañar and the historic small chapel in the valley, where local music groups from Tallante, Isla Plana, Perín and Balsicas provide singing and dancing. At this point the official party is often joined by more people arriving from the coast, a rather shorter route!

Holy Mass is held at 14.00 before a communal lunch is enjoyed by all (bring your own picnic!!), and then the return journey starts, arriving back in Tallante at approximately 17.15.

Parking is provided at the Finca Los Mínguez and among the tomato greenhouses of La Azohía, and the whole event is held with the help of neighbours associations in Tallante, Rincón de Sumiedo y El Cañar, Isla Plana, La Azohía, El Campillo de Adentro and Perín as well as the Town Hall of Cartagena.

Images: J. Albaladejo, Ayuntamiento de Cartagena

For more upcoming events in the Region of Murcia go to the What’s on section of Murcia Today.

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