Estepona Gears Up for the Romería of San Isidro Labrador next Sunday, May 4
The traditional pilgrimage will bring together residents, floats, and horse riders along the Camino de los Milagros
Estepona will host the Romería of San Isidro Labrador on Sunday, May 4, one of its most beloved festivities, departing at 8:00 a.m. from the Parish of San José to the hermitage of the town’s Patron Saint. The image of the laborer will be carried on floats and mounts, accompanied by numerous horse riders, and will include a floral offering upon arrival at the “Holy Marriage.” The day will continue at the campground park with activities running until 10:00 p.m. under the motto of the “Camino de los Milagros.”
The Romería of San Isidro Labrador, organized by the Parish of San José and the local Brotherhood, once again fills the municipality of Estepona with tradition and devotion. At 8:00 a.m., the procession will set off, escorted by the faithful, along the so-called Camino de los Milagros—a route marked by twelve monoliths detailing accounts of over four hundred miracles attributed to San Isidro.
“Throughout the day of fellowship, the Holy Marriage may be visited at its hermitage,” organizers note, inviting participants to approach the image at any time. Midway through the journey, at 12:00 p.m., the traditional Angelus prayer will be held, accompanied by the ringing of bells announcing the procession’s arrival.
The “Friends of the Horse” Association plays a prominent role: its riders will perform the floral offering to Estepona’s Patron Saint and his Holy Spouse, under the gaze of hundreds of residents who annually renew this fellowship ritual.
Tradition and Significance
San Isidro Labrador, canonized in 1622 and patron saint of farmers, is venerated for his intercession in providing water and ensuring bountiful harvests. The Romería commemorates his dedication to agricultural work, a value deeply rooted in the region’s rural history.
The Camino de los Milagros traverses natural landscapes and wooded areas to the hermitage, offering a space for reflection and contemplation.
The twelve monoliths recount episodes such as the multiplication of loaves and the discovery of water, read aloud by the pilgrims as they pass.
The image of the Holy Marriage, depicting San Isidro and his wife Santa María de la Cabeza, remains safeguarded at the Parish of San José until the procession begins.
Schedule of Events
The park adjacent to the hermitage will open for camping from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., offering a program of activities for the whole family:
8:00 a.m.
Departure of the Romería from the Parish of San José in honor of the Illustrious Laborer.
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Open Doors Day at the Corominas Dolmen Center.
Organized by: Corominas Dolmen Center.
12:00 p.m.
Angelus prayer on the way to the hermitage.
Bell ringing and floral offering by the “Friends of the Horse” Association.
1:00 p.m.
Opening of the refreshment stand next to the music-accompanied dance floor.
Mediterranean cuisine served.
6:00 p.m.
Pilgrims’ Mass at the San Isidro Labrador hermitage, presided over by Reverend José Javier García Pascual, Spiritual Director of the Brotherhood and Parish Priest of San José.
9:00 p.m.
Prayer of thanksgiving to San Isidro Labrador and Santa María de la Cabeza.
Songs and praises by the pilgrim brothers.
The Romería of San Isidro Labrador in Estepona keeps alive a centuries-old tradition combining faith, culture, and community. Residents and visitors are invited to participate in an open, family-friendly event, where the laborer’s work is honored through offering and celebration. The City Council calls for punctuality and respect for the environment to ensure the success of this festivity, which once again promises to become a gathering point of brotherhood for the entire community.