Romería del Lunes de Quasimodo

It was a quiet day in Olvera today, due mainly to the exodus of a large part of the population to the campo to celebrate "Quasimodo Day".

The origin of the event goes back to 1715, when the people of Olvera in desperation to end a terrible drought, went in procession to the Santuario Nuestra Senora de Los Remedios, the Ermita just outside of town. They prayed to their patron, the Virgin de Los Remedios, participated in events of dance and music and the drought was miraculously ended.

Ever since, the people of Olvera have met every year in the hills around the Ermita to celebrate the event.



We joined the proceedings this morning at the Piscina, where the collection of caravans were forming for the procession through town.
The party mood was definately in evidence.

Enough of my ramblings. I'll just let the pictures, of which there are quite a few, hopefully convey the fun of the occasion.

Anne's friend Chari, seeing we were suffering from lack of alchohol, came over to offer us a drink.

Just a few pictures of the beautiful ladies in their equally beautiful dresses.

Our friend Loli, happy to pose.

The Santuario Nuestra Senora de Los Remedios, focal point of the celebration.

The occasion is a real family and community event and the hills around are covered with tents and awnings.

Plenty of stalls to indulge those shopaholics too !!

The view of Olvera from the campo.

Beautifully groomed horses (and riders) are a major part of the proceedings.

We came across a gathering of horsemen and women competing in a game of horsemanship and skill. They were attempting to spear a ringed piece of ribbon hanging between two trees with what looked like a pencil.

Much to the delight of the crowd, after four runs, a young lady rider had managed to get three ribbons and was leading the competition.

Amongst many friends that we met was our neighbour Maricarmen and her daughter, the tallest young lady, pictured here with her friends.

Anne with Rosa.