In pics: Spain celebrates patron saint of seafarers
Thousands of Spaniards took to the sea on Thursday to pay homage to the Virgen del Carmen, the patron saint of sailors and fishermen.
With its rich seafaring tradition, the southern Spanish province of Málaga played host to ceremonies along the coast in honour of one of Spain’s most treasured saints.
Gallery: Spain celebrates patron saint of seafarers
Thousands of people took to the streets on Thursday evening to follow processions - around 20 across the province - which saw people parade behind giant floats carrying statues of the Virgin.
The processions all led down to the seafront, where people from towns all along the 160km stretch of Malagan coastline jumped into the water in celebration.
The Virgen del Carmen is the biggest fiesta in Spain for fishermen and sailors, who believe the Virgin is their biggest protector. Every year, an image of the Virgin is placed on a boat, which sails down the coast.
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With its rich seafaring tradition, the southern Spanish province of Málaga played host to ceremonies along the coast in honour of one of Spain’s most treasured saints.
Gallery: Spain celebrates patron saint of seafarers
Thousands of people took to the streets on Thursday evening to follow processions - around 20 across the province - which saw people parade behind giant floats carrying statues of the Virgin.
The processions all led down to the seafront, where people from towns all along the 160km stretch of Malagan coastline jumped into the water in celebration.
The Virgen del Carmen is the biggest fiesta in Spain for fishermen and sailors, who believe the Virgin is their biggest protector. Every year, an image of the Virgin is placed on a boat, which sails down the coast.
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