Romería del Cristo Amarrado Jumilla
Romeria to the Monte Santa Ana in Jumilla, second Sunday in May
Every year on the second Sunday in May the Romería del Cristo Amarrado takes place in Jumilla, as the figure of Christ tied to the whipping post travels from the old town centre back up into the nearby Sierra of Santa Ana del Monte.
The figure of el Cristo Amarrado a la Columna, a work by the master sculptor Francisco Salzillo, is kept in the Franciscan Convento de la Sierra de Santa Ana del Monte, 6 kilometres from the centre of Jumilla, for 11 months of the year, and is the most revered item among Jumilla's religious art heritage.
It was acquired by the monastery in 1756 and since 1848 has been brought down to the town on the evening of Palm Sunday, returning triumphantly in a Romeria on the second Sunday in May after a floral offering is made to the statue the Sunday before.
For the benefit of those who have never been part of a Romeria, the normal procedure is for Mass to be held before participants enjoy a spot of breakfast and then set off on horses, in carriages or on foot to accompany the statue on its journey home. Depending on the distance of different romerías, the statues might be carried by the faithful, transported in horse and carriage or even pulled by tractors and on the backs of lorries. They are accompanied by a mass of people (again, depending on the distance involved, on foot or in cars) and musicians who keep up the spirits on the journey.
The normal format is for a sensible family member to go on ahead in the car, set up tables and chairs and get the paella on the go, so that when the final destination is reached the family groups can sit down and enjoy music, singing, dancing and lots to eat and drink before driving home.
Anyone is welcome at these events, and they are an enjoyable and sociable way to become part of the local community. It's quite normal for the horses and carriages to be dressed in their Sunday best and for their drivers and passengers to be in regional costumes, and often at the final destination the Cuadrillas keep the music going and the atmosphere is happy and festive. You can join in at any point!
Program of the Romería del Cristo Amarrado
6.30 am: Mass is held in the Parroquia Mayor de Santiago before the figure of Christ moves off towards the church of San Agustin.
7.00: Hot chocolate and Fritillas Jumillanas are offered to participants at a local bar. All horses and carriages, horsemen and participants then head off to the church of San Agustín to meet up with the statue and depart to the Monte de Santa Ana.
At the foot of the mountain, the participants meet up at the Paraje "El Prao" with an arch of flowers waiting there to accompany them on the final stretch. They then walk the final part up to the monastery through the forests which surround it, and on arrival Mass is held at around 10.00.
Most participants then go off for a walk or head to the Zona Recreativa in Santa Ana La Vieja, where a typical Jumilla breakfast awaits them.
From 11.00 the Peña Caballista "Los Romeros del Cristo" perform feats of horsemanly prowess, and there's a performance with flamenco dancers and horses combined, then from 13.30 lunch is served. This is eaten at temporary "barracas" (open-air bars) in the recreation zone, and while tapas, food and drinks are served there is also a collection of artisan stands and fair attractions. All manner of products are sold throughout the day.
At around 17.30 the party ends and the horses and carriages make their way back down to Jumilla.
Taking part in the Romería
Those who wish to participate in the Romeria can do so in one of 2 stages. From the church of San 
Agustín participants can walk the 4 kilometres to the Paraje El Prao or take a bus. From El Prao it's another 2 kilometres on foot. The buses then ferry participants back into town until around 17.00.
Alternatively, drive to the recreational area and just walk the last stretch with the figure of Christ.
Additional information
As this is a large event which attracts several thousand participants, over 100 volunteers, Guardia Civil and forestry personnel as well as ambulance staff and cleaning teams work on the day to ensure safety and security. The biggest concern is the fire risk, and participants are asked to take special care and avoid the involvement of the fire services as well.
Click here for accommodation in and around Jumilla, or visit the home page of Jumilla Today for more events, news and other information, including the bodegas affiliated to the Jumilla Wine Route.
