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The role of the patron saint the Virgin Loreto in the lives of the residents of Santa Pola is important. Every year there are two parties in which the patroness is central. This distinguishes Santa Pola from most other municipalities, which usually suffice with one celebration. In addition, her image, which stands in the chapel of the Virgin de Loreto in the cultural center housed in the castle, is not only a tourist attraction, but also a kind of pilgrimage site that the locals like to visit.
The first time the Virgo demands everyone's attention in the town is in September. For nine (!) Days at the beginning of the month, Santa Pola is in the throes of the most important annual celebrations. The first days are all about the Moors and Christians. Processions, mock battles and musical events then tumble over each other in the party that is the highlight of the year almost everywhere on the costas. But in Santa Pola, the apotheosis of this folk festival is reserved for days of activities around the Virgin Loreto. In her honor, these events are also very extensive with special church services, colorful parades, sports competitions, activities for children and fireworks. The most important moment is the day when the locals march in a procession to Loreto's chapel in the castle to pay her a flower tribute. Most walkers still wear the clothes they wore earlier in the week as 'Christians'. Accompanied by music, they slowly move to the chapel.
The special thing about this slow procession is the care that has been taken with the flowers. A simple bush is out of the question. No expense or effort is spared to make large constructions with flowers. The best proof that the residents are serious about honoring 'their' Loreto.
That will be done again on December 10 when there is another procession. This time, in addition to the chapel, the Mediterranean will also be visited. The reason for that celebration is that it is said to be the date that the image of Loreto first arrived in Santa Pola.
The curious story of how Loreto's statue ended up in Santa Pola may explain why the saint is so important to the town. And also why it cannot be seen in isolation from the history of the Moors and Christians. The events that led to this are, according to legend, the following. In 1643, an uprising broke out in a small community in southern Cadiz during which the Moors looted and destroyed churches. A pious woman, fearful that the image of Loreto might die, fled with the statue to the harbor and asked a fisherman to hand it over at the first port he would call. However, the fisherman was so impressed by the beautiful statue that he decided to sail straight to his hometown of Villajoyosa.
However, a violent storm threw a spanner in the works and he had to moor in Santa Pola. He hid the statue and later attempted to sail three times to Villajoyosa. Every time, the legend goes, the sea refused to let him go out. Eventually he understood that the statue belonged in Santa Pola and therefore had to stay there. According to legend, the endearing story had a happy ending for the fisherman. A fourth attempt to return to sea was successful, and he arrived safely in Villajoyosa, albeit without an image.
