Bridgewater Arts Centre to hold El Rocio pilgrim exhibition

[sillydoll]

The Bridgewater Arts Centre in Somerset has an exhibition showcasing work from a local photographer from Tues 4 - Thu 27 November.

EL ROCIÓ – FESTIVAL AND FLAMENCO: Photographs by Geoff Billett

The Roció Pilgrimage is the most famous in Andalucia, attracting nearly a million people from across the region, the country and further afield.
Geoff Billett is an atheist but has a profound respect for the pilgrims and their mix of Gypsy, Moorish and Christian culture. His interest in customs and celebrations has led him to photograph in Spain on a number of occasions and his powerful images capture the atmosphere of this robust cultural and religious celebratory event.

http://www.bridgwaterartscentre.co.uk/Exhibitions.htm

 

[MermaidLilli]

We ran into a huge group going to El Rocio and it was a spectacular moment. Cart after covered cart (a couple hundred?) pulled by oxen, horses, donkeys, tractors and trucks. Families sitting in these adorned carts waving and laughing, people dressed in their native dress walking beside them drinking beer and wine, many men on horses shooting off their rifles every 60 seconds leading the group. Wish I could have gone with them, for I understand that when they arrive, it is days quite the festival. But it was my second day out of Sevilla on the Via and I had a Camino to do!!
Lillian
Great video I just found: http://www.videojug.com/film/spanish-festival-el-rocio
(The Spanish sure know how to celebrate)