Tradition and Devotion in Mansilla de las Mulas: The Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Grace Turns 34
Mansilla de las Mulas Celebrates the Pilgrimage to the Hermitage of Our Lady of Grace with a Tribute to Its Founder
Next Sunday, 7 September, Mansilla de las Mulas will once again be dressed in faith and tradition with the celebration of a new edition of the Pilgrimage to the Hermitage of Our Lady of Grace, an event that since 1991 has brought together hundreds of devotees on an 18-kilometre route from the Church of Our Lady of the Market (León) to the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Gracia located in the town.
A Tradition of Faith, Community and Roots
The pilgrimage was born with the purpose of honouring Our Lady of Grace through an offering of flowers and fruits of the land. Over more than three decades, it has grown from the initiative of a small group of the faithful into one of the most cherished celebrations in the region, attracting pilgrims from different towns.
Since 1997, the event has been graced by the presence of the Leonese pendones (traditional processional banners), which began with that of Mansilla de las Mulas and today bring together banners from different towns across the province. Their colourful display accompanies the peregrinos‘ entrance to the Mansilla bridge, where they are welcomed with applause, cheers, and the image of Our Lady of Grace carried by local residents.
Liturgical Events and Public Participation
The pilgrims’ Mass will be held in the parish church of Mansilla, which has greater capacity than the hermitage, with the participation of the local choir. The day will conclude at 6:30 pm, when Our Lady of Grace is carried in procession from the parish church to her hermitage, in a deeply moving ceremony.
Tribute to Salvador Baños Castro
This year’s edition will be marked by a well-deserved tribute to Salvador Baños Castro, founder of the pilgrimage in 1991 together with a group of friends from León. Since the first edition, which brought together 147 participants, Salvador dedicated himself to keeping this tradition alive, always with the support of the Town Council, the Brotherhood, and numerous local residents.
In recognition of his work, the Mansilla de las Mulas Town Council will unveil a commemorative plaque in his honour on Sunday afternoon, coinciding with the Virgin’s procession to the hermitage.
Centenary of the Our Lady of Grace Brotherhood
The Our Lady of Grace Brotherhood, founded in 1925, celebrates its centenary in 2025, adding symbolic significance to this year’s edition. Through its official website, the Brotherhood shares historical photographs, chronicles of past pilgrimages, and the memory of those who have kept this devotion alive.
📌 More information, chronicles and images:
👉 Hermandad Virgen de Gracia
