Every July 16, numerous coastal municipalities in Spain celebrate the Day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, patroness of sailors, fishermen, and the Spanish Navy. The tradition, deeply rooted in towns along the Mediterranean, Cantabrian, and Atlantic coasts, originates from the devotion to the Virgin of Mount Carmel and has become one of the most emblematic religious festivities of the summer.
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The central event of the celebration is the maritime procession. After a mass, the image of the Virgin travels through the streets to the port, where it is boarded and accompanied by dozens of boats decorated with flags and flowers. During the sea route, the vessels sound their horns while thousands of people follow the procession from the port and the promenade.
One of the most emotional moments is the floral offering, when residents and sailors throw flowers into the sea in memory of those who lost their lives at sea. This gesture symbolizes the tribute to the deceased and the request for protection for all who work at sea, reinforcing the historical bond between coastal communities and Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
