The Pilgrimage
El Rocío or The Pilgrimage. An annual pilgrimage where the Virgin of El Rocío - the patron Saint of Almonte Town is celebrated. Religious Brotherhoods gather in their towns and then descend on El Rocío Town from all points of the compass traversing on traditional routes the protected areass of Doñana National Park. Up to one million people are involved in this pilgrimage arriving in covered horse-drawn wagons, large caravans pulled by tractors, 4x4 vehicles and trucks and even on foot or horseback.
Doñana National & Natural Park. Huelva Province, Andalusia. SPAIN
1969 - Set up as a National Park
1981 - Biosphere Reserve
1982 - Wetland of International Importance, Ramsar
1985 - Special Protection Area for Birds
1994 - World Heritage Site, UNESCO.
The marshlands in particular are a very important area for the migration, breeding and wintering of European and African birds. It is also an area of old cultures, traditions and human uses - most of which are still in existance.
Mission: Iberian Lynx, May 2009
© Pete Oxford / Wild Wonders of Europe
Zaldumbide #506 y Toledo
La Floresta, Quito. ECUADOR
South America
Tel: 593-2-2226958
e-mail: pete@peteoxford.com
www.peteoxford.com
