Feast of the Virgin of Montserrat
April 27, Saturday
The Virgin of Montserrat is a shrine of Catalonia, associated with the monastery on Mount Montserrat, located near Barcelona. According to legend, in 880, shepherds found a statue of the Virgin Mary in one of the caves on the mountain. Attempts to move it down to the valley were unsuccessful - the statue remained motionless, which was interpreted as a sign that a temple should be built on this site. The statue of La Moreneta (Black Virgin) is made of wood, its height is about 95 cm. It depicts the Virgin Mary with the baby Jesus on her lap.
How the holiday is celebrated
Religious rites. Solemn services, liturgies and prayers are held in the Montserrat Monastery. Many believers make a pilgrimage to the monastery to venerate the shrine.
Cultural events. Traditional Catalan dances, such as the sardana, are performed. Concerts are held by the boys' choir of the Montserrat Monastery, one of the oldest in Europe.
Family gatherings. The Day of the Virgin of Montserrat is often accompanied by family dinners and celebrations at home.
Symbolic meaning. Catalans perceive the Virgin of Montserrat as the protector of their land, and the holiday emphasizes their cultural and national identity.