The Orihuela City Council has presented the festival program in honor of Our Lady of Monserrate, the city's patron saint. The celebrations, which will run from September 5 to 20, are particularly significant this year as they coincide with the 250th anniversary of the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Monserrate. The program is the result of collaboration between municipal departments and the M. I. Archicofradía de Ntra. Sra. de Monserrate.
The Councilor for Tourism, Gonzalo Montoya, and the Councilor for Culture, Anabel García, along with the vice-president of the Archicofradía, Francisco Serna, highlighted the combination of traditional and cultural activities with the religious services organized by the Archicofradía. Serna invited citizens to participate in the religious events, which include two pilgrimages: one on September 6 to transfer the patron saint to the Cathedral and another on September 20 for her return to the sanctuary. A special veneration of the patron saint on Saturday, September 19, was also emphasized.
The complete program includes various activities, such as the Route of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Monserrate on September 5, the Pilgrimage of Ntra. Sra. de Monserrate to the Cathedral on September 6, followed by a serenade in Plaza Ramón Sijé. On September 7 and 9, children's tile workshops about the 250 years of the sanctuary will be offered at the María Moliner Municipal Library. September 8 will feature bell ringing, salutes, a solemn Eucharist, and a general procession, with a fireworks display.
Other proposals include the Baroque Pastry Route on September 10, the Band Route and the Orihuela City Tunas Contest on September 11 and 12. Guided tours of the Cathedral and the Miguel Hernández House Museum have also been scheduled, as well as the Tardeada Orihuela festival with various musical performances and a children's show on September 18. On September 19, a special veneration of the patron saint will take place, and the Tardeada Orihuela festival will feature notable performances.
The program is complemented by exhibitions. From September 7 to 30, the María Moliner Municipal Library will host an exhibition of old photographs on the coronation of the Virgin and another on the 250 years of the sanctuary. Additionally, the Centro Tourist Office will offer the exhibition “Ntra. Sra. de Monserrate”. The Fotomatón Festival, from September 18 to October 18, will present various exhibition proposals in different city venues.
From September 9 to 17, the Novena to the Virgin will be held at the S. I. Cathedral, with the Holy Rosary and Novena followed by the Eucharist. On September 20, the Return Pilgrimage of Our Lady of Monserrate to her Sanctuary will mark the end of the patron saint festivities.
