Pilgrimage to the hermitage of La Victòria

The organization of the pilgrimage is in charge of the Obreria Amics de la Victòria.

The departure is from in front of the Town Hall, at 10:00 a.m. From Alcúdia, pilgrims take the road to Mal Pas and Bonaire; after about five kilometres from the start, there is a signpost that, on the right, leads to the hermitage of La Victoria. The entire journey can also be done by vehicle.

The day before, there is an athletic race, from Alcúdia to the hermitage, where there is music, ball de bot (boat dancing) and tasting of fritters and mistela. The next day, at ten in the morning, there is a rocket blast from the Town Hall to start the pilgrimage. The pilgrims arrive, in the middle of the morning, at La Victoria where, immediately afterwards, a concelebrated mass and an offering of chamomile are made. Afterwards, there are jewel races and a massive paella. At dusk, it is customary for the mayor of Alcúdia to dance the jota de la Victòria, played by the municipal band; then, hazelnut and candy throwing and Ball del Poble, in honor of the Virgin Mary.

The foundation of this unique fortified hermitage dates back to 1252, in the time of Jaume I, and was probably built as a defense against the Muslims. The presence of the first hermit is documented in 1395. The name of the Victòria refers to the victory obtained in 1523 by the nobles, who had taken refuge in the walled town of Alcúdia, with the decisive support of the Royal Navy, over the “agermanats” (craftsmen and revolting peasants). In 1535 Emperor Charles V stayed there on his way to Tunis, who had granted the town the title of “most faithful” for having supported him during the Germania. The current appearance of the oratory corresponds to 1704. The wood carving that is venerated is Gothic.

The climbs to the Peña Roja (or del Migdia) and the Talaia d’Alcúdia are excursions of great beauty, during which we can admire extensive panoramic views with the sea on both sides, as we ascend to the highest peaks of the Cap Pinar peninsula. If we want to enjoy some tranquility, it is advisable to do these excursions on a working day. Very close to the hermitage, there is a place with three crosses that marks the place where a shepherd found the image of the Virgin Mary, which had been stolen by Saracen pirates who had attacked the place in 1684.

Joys to Our Lady of Victòria

Anonymous letter, eighteenth century

 

Mother of the Uncreated Word

and the angels Mary;

o Holy Mary,

and patron saint of Alcúdia,

most faithful City.

 

From Victoria we name you,

then she was victorious

triumphant and glorious

among all the sons of Adam;

and such a favor he deserved

Your great holiness.

 

They found your figure

in this high mountain,

by which he assures us

the victory in the campaign;

with lights and great clarity

that appeared from Heaven.

 

They founded religious

in your house a convent,

prodigious miracles,

the Almighty worked;

each in holiness

An angel appeared.

 

You are from our City

strength and protection,

and in every need

assisted us with the mother,

it’s a hard-working army

your name of bravery.

 

Our ancestors

victory for you had

As for summoning them, they came

twinned armies;

are their rewarded value,

in your favor he was watching.

 

You are the cloud of Elias,

through you we enjoy a new name,

that in dry weather and when it does not rain

give water and joy

and the wheat that was already suffering,

became very maroon.

 

Give health to the sick,

to the young good luck,

to the devout great virtue,

and the navigator takes you to port;

Escape the storm

the boat that trusts in You.

 

This is the biggest sign

of the Visitation,

Sung mass and sermon

with jubilee and great feast;

it is an appropriate day,

that sadness turned into joy.

 

To keep you in memory

We will not cease night and day

to invoke you, pious Virgin,

with the title of Victoria;

Victoria, my lady,

we have you by our side.