Religious acts are the heart of La Folía. Although the maritime procession is the best known moment and the one that brings together the most visitors, the excitement begins much earlier, on Holy Saturday, when Our Lady leaves the Sanctuary and is taken through the streets of San Vicente de la Barquera surrounded by the silence and devotion of residents and visitors.
Each act has its own symbolism, staying true to a ritual that has remained virtually unchanged since its origin. The participation of the Seafarers’ Guild (today Fishermen’s Guild), Guild of the Lady of La Barquera, the voices of the picayas and the presence of the sailors make the ceremony a living testimony of the town’s identity.
The main events that make up the celebration are:
- Holy Saturday, with the procession featuring Our Lady
- Easter Sunday, with the Holy Encounter
- La Folía, with Sunday morning mass, and the procession of the Lady in the afternoon from the Church of Santa María de los Ángeles to the port, the maritime procession and her return to the Sanctuary
Holy Saturday, the procession of Our Lady
Holy Saturday marks the start of the festival. That day in the afternoon, Our Lady of La Barquera is taken on foot from her Sanctuary, located at the entrance to the port, towards the town as far as the Chapel of the Convent of Las Hijas de Cristo Rey.
Although it is a short tour, it is experienced with great intensity by the locals. Dozens of residents join the procession in silence, with the light of torches, creating an atmosphere of respect and recollection.
The image appears dressed in her mourning mantle, instead of the traditional blue. This attire recalls the mourning of the days following Holy Week and underlines the solemn nature of this first procession.
During the journey you can hear some soft songs and prayers that accompany Our Lady. However, silence prevails most of the time. It is broken by the sirens of the ships that greet her as she passes by.
Easter Sunday, the Holy Encounter
This event is simple in nature. From the Convent of Las Hijas de Cristo Rey, after the recitation of the Rosary at eight o’clock, Our Lady is taken in procession to the Church of Santa María de los Ángeles. At the same time, marked by the launching of a firework, the Blessed Sacrament leaves the parish church, under a canopy (in recent years it has been replaced by the image of the Risen Jesus).
The image of Our Lady is carried on a platform (formerly veiled by curtains). When both processions meet, the bearers of the Marian platform bow three times before the Blessed Sacrament, after which the curtains are drawn and thus the Encounter between the Mother and the Son is visually depicted. On this day, Our Lady is dressed in an uncovered white mantle.
The big day, La Folía
Sunday Mass
The morning of La Folía begins with solemn Mass in the Church of Santa Maria de los Ángeles, which is usually officiated by the Bishop of the Diocese. The church is decorated for the occasion with flowers in white and blue tones, the traditional colour of Our Lady. Representatives of the Brotherhood of Our Lady, the Fishermen’s Guild, civil and religious authorities, as well as numerous residents who fill the church from early in the morning, are in attendance.
This liturgical act serves as a spiritual preparation for the procession, being especially emotive for those who have participated for years. The chants, the homily and the atmosphere form a perfect framework to understand how important La Folía is for San Vincente. After the mass, many families take the opportunity to walk for a while through the historic centre or visit the port before the afternoon event begins. A necessary rest before the most awaited moment of the day.
Processional down to the port
During the afternoon, at a time that varies according to high tide, the procession down to the port begins. Our Lady, dressed in her blue mantle, is carried on the shoulders of the “picayos.” The solemn procession and the sound of tambourines set the pace of the descent to the pier.
One of the most special acts is when the “picayas” sing to Our Lady, dressed in their traditional white and blue costume. Their singing and the rhythmic sound of the tambourines provide an emotional touch that creates one of the festival’s key moments. With the young women leading the way singing, the procession arrives at the Old Port where one of the most awaited moments takes place: the boarding. A very exciting moment that is full of photographs, applauses and cheers.
Maritime procession of La Folía
Without a doubt, the maritime procession is the most spectacular and distinctive event of La Folía. After that brief moment on land, Our Lady is carefully placed on a fishing boat adorned with flags fluttering in the wind. The “guide boat” leads the procession, followed by dozens of boats of different sizes: fishing, recreational, family boats and even speedboats.
The parade advances slowly along the estuary, while gun salutes and fireworks are launched to announce the presence of the image. The scene is matchless: Our Lady sailing along the bay, escorted by sailors; a moment difficult to describe in words.
Throughout the trip, the traditional “picayos” are still sung, which can be heard even from the promenade and the higher ground. The procession concludes when Our Lady arrives back at the Sanctuary, where the whole town gathers, bidding her farewell with their songs and the Hail Mary until next year
