Maritime towns along the Costa Brava, from Blanes to Portbou, have celebrated or will celebrate this weekend the traditional maritime processions of the Virgin of Carmen, the patron saint of fishermen. This festival, commemorating a historic event with maritime roots, coexists with the presence of thousands of tourists. Municipalities such as L'Escala, Cadaqués, Castelló, Tossa de Mar, and Llançà have already marked the occasion, often as part of a broader program for the Carmen Festivities.
In L'Escala, boats departed from the port, this year accompanied by the Paca, a restored fishing vessel that is part of the local heritage. The procession, both by land and sea, was well-attended, with the image of the Mare de Déu transported by sea and arriving at the beach, the old fishing port. Previously, a carpet made of salt was unveiled in front of the church of Sant Pere, this year commemorating the 40th anniversary of the carpet and the 75th of the Homage to Old Age.
In Llançà, the Festivities of the Virgin of Carmen will extend until Sunday, featuring traditional events, music, and activities for children. The maritime procession set off from the port at noon, following a mass, and was accompanied by the band Damm-er. The event is organized by the Confraria de Pescadors de Llançà and the City Council.
In the Alt Empordà region, Cadaqués celebrates the festival in the mid-afternoon, with the boat Gala carrying the virgin. The procession begins at the Molí de Portdoguer and includes a sardine feast and sardana dancing. In Castelló d'Empúries, the procession winds through the streets of the marina and canals, enlivened by the Charanga Los Labradores, followed by events at the hermitage of the Verge del Carme.
In Platja d'Aro, the procession follows the coastline, organized by the Club Nàutic Port d'Aro. In Palafrugell, at Llafranc, the day began with a mass and procession through the streets, attended by the bishop of Girona, fra Octavi Vilà, and the Grallers i Tabalers de Palafrugell.
In L'Estartit, morning religious services and sardanas give way to the maritime procession at half past six in the evening, with the Medes Islands as a backdrop. In Tossa de Mar, a solemn mass accompanied by the cobla band La Flama de Farners precedes the procession through the bay, where participants join the virgin in kayaks or on paddleboards.
Municipalities such as Roses, Palamós, and Begur will hold their maritime processions next weekend. The Festival of Carmen has been celebrated since the 18th century, seeking protection from the dangers of the sea. The Virgin of Carmen replaced Saint Elmo as the main figure, joining Saint Peter and Saint Andrew as protectors of seafarers.
The devotion has legendary roots, such as the story of a sailor who calmed a storm by throwing his scapular into the sea, leading to the Virgin being called Stella Maris, the star of the sea.
