The mass and spectacular candlelit procession at the Sanctuary takes place tonight as the annual celebrations with the statue of the tiny “virgin” of Calasparra signifies that the September fiestas are coming to a close.
There will be an open air mass in the Sanctuary square with the statue of Our Lady of Hope as a centre piece at 8pm followed by the candlelit procession.
Traditionally many Calasparrians walk to the Sanctuary for this annual event and many others come by car but almost all bring their picnics or install themselves at one of the public barbecues in order to enjoy supper under the stars.
There will be stalls and open restaurants and bars foe those who prefer and at 11pm there will be concert in the Sports Ground at the Sanctuary. However, the bands which will appear remain a mystery as no public announcements have been made by the joint organizing committee: the Sanctuary Foundation and the Town Hall.
Last year the Sierra del Molino was set on fire on the night of this annual pilgrimage to the Sanctuary setting a tragic backcloth for the event and the flames could be seen from the lower Sanctuary road deep into the night.
