Santa Faz Pilgrimage
16 APRIL
The Pilgrimage of Santa Faz is one of the largest pilgrimages in Spain, attracting thousands of people every year. It is celebrated on the second Thursday after Maundy Thursday, bringing together pilgrims from all over who walk the 8 kilometers from Alicante’s historic center to the Monastery of Santa Faz, where the cloth bearing the image of Christ’s face is preserved. The event is a lively and festive occasion, honoring this deeply rooted Alicante tradition, popularly known as “La Peregrina.”
SOME TIPS FOR THE SANTA FAZ PILGRIMAGE
- Wear comfortable and natural fiber clothing to avoid chafing.
- Wear comfortable shoes that you have already worn to avoid injuries.
- Rest whenever you need to.
- It is advisable to protect yourself from the sun with a cap and sunglasses to avoid sunstroke.
- Drink water and/or juices before you feel thirsty to avoid dehydration.
- Remember that drinking alcohol can accelerate possible dehydration. Enjoy and have fun!
USUAL ITINERARY
- From 7:00 AM, distribution of rosemary canes at the Co-Cathedral of San Nicolas and Town Hall.
- 07:45 AM: Co-Cathedral of San Nicolas.
- 08:00 AM: start of La Peregrina. Co-Cathedral of San Nicolas.
- From 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM: A route is followed from the Co-Cathedral of San Nicolas to the Monastery of Santa Faz. The itinerary includes Calle Miguel Soler, Calle San Nicolas, Calle Mayor, Plaza Santisima Faz, Calle Mayor again, Villavieja, Virgen del Socorro, Avenida Denia, and Alicante-Valencia Road to the Santa Faz hamlet.
- From 7:00 to 11:30 AM, ‘Paraeta Municipal’, installed on the sidewalk in front of the Vistahermosa Complex exit next to Calle La Cigüeña.
- From 10:30 to 11:30 AM: opening of the Camarin for the extraction of the image of Santa Faz.
- Official Mass. Plaza Luis Foglietti (approximately 1 hour duration).
- Subsequent closing of the Camarin.
The duration of the route depends on the pace of the official procession. In the entire Santa Faz area, near the municipality of San Juan, the Santa Faz fair takes place, featuring traditional crafts and stalls offering items such as pottery, ceramics, medals, and walking sticks.
