Our Lady of Zocueca
Spain (1808)
Around 1150, Mozarabic Christians built a rudimentary chapel near the Rumblar River in Zocueca. When Alfonso VIl re-conquered the area in 1155, people gave thanks to the Virgin at the shrine. During the cholera epidemic of 1681, the people vowed to hold an annual feast in honor of the Virgin, preceded by a day of fasting, if she would save them.
The promise has been kept on August 5 ever since. In 1808, people again thanked the Virgin of Zocueca for her help during the Battle of Bailén, the first Spanish victory against Napoleon.
Annually since 1810, they commemorate the battle with a series of civil, patriotic, and religious events in July 17- 22, reaching their greatest splendor on the 20th, when the Patroness, the Virgin of Zocueca, goes through the city streets in procession.
Text and image used with permission.
Source: "365 Days with Mary" by Michael O'Neill
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