The pilgrimage to El Rocío

José Colón

January 20, 2017

El Rocío keeps its streets unpaved and gives priority to horses, mules and animal-driven vehicles. Every year, the small village in the western part of Andalusia, southern Spain, opens its gates to the Romería, a religious pilgrimage in honour of the Virgen del Rocío. See José Colón’s reportage in the current issue No. 5 of M Magazine.
“The weather was stormy with a lead-coloured sky as I set out to the village of El Rocio on this morning of the 13 April 2016. I was looking for an image that would encapsulate the symbolism of women within the Christian faith. I was suddenly reminded of the documentary ‘Rocio’ (1980) by Fernando Ruiz Vergara, which investigates the cult of the Virgin and the economic and socio-political background of the annual pilgrimage to El Rocio. The wistful sadness emanating from the girl, set against the immensity of the clouds, invoked in me a profound sense of man’s relationship with the Christian faith.”

José Colón+-

Born in Seville, Spain, in 1975, José Colón is specialized in photojournalism and documentary work. His images have been published in various international magazines. He is one of the founders of Me-Mo magazine. More

 

The pilgrimage to El Rocío

José Colón