Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de la Fuencisla in Segovia
This festival is celebrated on September 25, but it begins a few days earlier, offering a variety of attractions for residents and tourists.
Nuestra Señora de la Fuencisla is venerated in a beautiful baroque sanctuary, which is located over the Eresma river, near the Alcázar. According to tradition, her image was painted by St. Luke and brought to Segovia by St. Hieroteus, the first bishop of the city. This image was hidden during Muslim times and found in the 13th century by a shepherd who saw a spring gushing from a stone. Since then, this spring is considered miraculous and healing, and the image of the Virgin Mary is surrounded by worship and love.
The Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de la Fuencisla begins on the Thursday preceding September 25, when the image of the Virgin Mary is carried in procession from the sanctuary to the cathedral, where it is placed on the main altar. In this procession, city officials, religious brotherhoods, folk groups, and crowds of faithful participate. In the square in front of the cathedral, the Virgin Mary is greeted by the bishop of Segovia and the mayor of the city, as well as a performance by the dance group La Esteva.
In the cathedral, a nine-day novena is held, during which a mass is celebrated every day at 7:30 pm, and then a hymn is sung in honor of the Virgin Mary. Various social and professional groups participate in this novena, such as farmers, teachers, doctors, lawyers, soldiers, etc. During the novena, the cathedral is beautifully decorated with flowers and lights, and the image of the Virgin Mary is dressed in various robes, which are offered by the faithful.
On September 25, a solemn mass is held, during which the bishop of Segovia presides over the liturgy and sermon, and the cathedral choir performs songs in honor of the Virgin Mary. After the mass, the image of the Virgin Mary is carried in procession back to the sanctuary, where it is greeted by cannon salutes and bells. In this procession, city officials, religious brotherhoods, folk groups, and crowds of faithful participate. On the route of the procession, the image of the Virgin Mary is stopped at several places, where it is applauded and blessed by the people. On the bridge over the Eresma river, the Virgin Mary is bid farewell by the bishop of Segovia and the mayor of the city, as well as a performance by the dance group La Esteva.
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