Romería de Santa Marta de Ribarteme
Iglesia de Santa Marta de RibartemeSan Xosé de Ribarteme (San Xosé)36447 As NevesPontevedraturismo.asneves@fegamp.gal
After the religious services in honour of Santa Marta have finished, the church bells toll, and the coffins are carried out and towards the nearest cemetery, from where they come back in procession to the starting point, while people chant the psalm "Virxe Santa Marta, estrela do Norte, traemos-che os que viron a morte" (Virgin Saint Martha, star of the North, we bring you those who escaped death". In the case of children, the coffins are always empty, although records state that in the olden times they used to be carried by children. The procession is followed by other penitents who, if they do not wish to lay in a coffin, cover their clothes with white gauze and carry a candle behind the image of the saint that also accompanies the coffins during the profession. Santa Marta holds her right hand aloft as a sign of protection for those who have managed to escape death, and in return the devotees offer her different amounts of money.
Services
- Actividades de animación: Sí
Features
Trivia In 2008, the prestigious British newspaper The Guardian rated the procession of Santa Marta de Ribarteme as the second strangest festival in the world. However, this description is not shared by the majority of the local devout, as they believe it is a very serious and respected tradition. Origin and history This tradition dates back more than five centuries. The recommendation given by a bishop in 1700 to the parish of Santa Marta -to repair the church using the money from votive offerings of the pilgrims- is the first historical reference to this celebration. Since then, every year thousands of pilgrims gather in the small town of As Neves, which has 4,400 inhabitants, to accompany the statue of Santa Marta. Responsible body Church of San José de Ribarteme Itineraries and main events during its celebration The main event is the mass and the procession in honour of Santa Marta, featuring the presence of coffins and shrouds as a symbol of life and resurrection.- Descripción del entorno: Rural
- Prices: Free of charge
- Declaration of tourist interest: Does not have
Date of event
- Date of: 28/07/2019
- To: 30/07/2019
Entertainment performances
- Musical performances: Sí
Access
- Baños públicos adaptados para personas con discapacidad: Sí
- Accesos a pie: Sí
- ¿Existe transporte público para acceder al recurso?: Sí
- Accesos para vehículos privados: Sí
- Los accesos al recurso están adaptados para personas con discapacidad: Sí