The bell tower of La Iglesia de Santa Catalina in Pozoblanco.
The central plaza of Pozoblanco.
La Iglesia de Santa Catalina
The white well (pozo blanco) from which the pueblo takes its name surrounded by the children in our group. Note the statue of the rooster atop the well.
The white well
These banners were hung all over the pueblo, anticipating the return of La Virgen de Luna in the romería.
Us along with thousands of our closest friends in the countryside near El Santuario de La Virgen de Luna.
Members of the cofradía who escort La Virgen during the romería.
Near El Santuario de la Virgen de Luna.
El Santuario de la Virgen de Luna. This was nothing short of a mob. Everyone pushing their way to the rope to ring the church bell for luck and pay their respects to the Virgen de Luna resting inside from her long morning journey from Villanueva de Córdoba.
El Santuario de la Virgen de Luna. This is the actual image that had already been carried from the pueblo of Villanueva de Córdoba that morning, and would be carried the rest of the way into Pozoblanco that afternoon.
El Santuario de la Virgen de Luna
El Santuario de la Virgen de Luna. This is the smaller image which always stays in the halfway church.
A view from the inside of El Santuario de la Virgen de Luna. The crowd mobbing the church to ring the bell and pay respects to the Virgen.
In the Ermita of the Cofradía. This is the hermitage of the select group which escorts La Virgen. The organization is quite elaborate, with positions of importance like the Sergeant and El Pregonero (The Preacher).
In the Ermita of the Cofradía
Back out to the countryside.
In Spain, it's always time to eat!
La Virgen emerges from El Santuario.
La Virgen approaches.
One of many shotguns firing blanks into the air.
The flag of Spain.
La Virgen passes.
One of many Andalucían horsemen.
It's good luck to ring the church bell. The children in our group try to ring the bell. It sounds easier than it is.
The children ringing the church bell.
Franci lends a hand...
It's good luck to ring the church bell, and everyone joins in for a little luck.
José and Tonya give it a try...
Scott & José learning exactly how to properly ring the bell. The woman in the background on the right knew exactly how it was to be done. Ringing the bell is all about getting the proper rhythm.
The whole group in front of El Santuario.
Back out to the countryside for more eating.
A cigüeña (stork) flies overhead.
