Pilgrimage in honour of the Virgen de la Estrella

The pilgrimage of the Virgen de la Estrella, declared a festivity of Andalusian Tourist Interest in 1985, begins on 1 May when the pilgrims, dressed in typical flamenco costumes, set out for the shrine located on the esplanade known as the Llano de La Estrella, about four kilometres outside Navas de San Juan. This pilgrimage has been celebrated for over 500 years and attracts more than 60,000 pilgrims every year.

Along the route, the Virgin is accompanied by a procession made up of throngs of pilgrims, on horseback and in decorated carts, singing the songs known as mayos, or chants in her honour. After the procession to accompany the image of the Virgin, the evening sees the celebration of the traditional auction of the "estadales", the bands specially embroidered for the Virgin by the local women, as well as the bidding to see who will have the honour of carrying the Virgin into the shrine.

The entrance of the Virgen de la Estrella in Navas de San Juan on the evening of 3 May takes place over a carpet of rose petals strewn by the crowd. This is the most moving moment of the whole festivity, and also marks the end of the celebrations for another year.