Every September, Granada celebrates Our Lady of Sorrows (Virgen de las Angustias) with faith, flowers, and tradition. This devotion, rooted in the 16th century, has become one of the city’s strongest symbols of identity and culture.
Origins and History
The image of Our Lady of Sorrows in Granada is attributed to the sculptor Gaspar Becerra (1550–1560). It follows the Pietà style: Mary cradling the lifeless body of Christ, expressing both grief and hope.
From the beginning, devotion to her was encouraged by local bishops and spread throughout the Archdiocese. In 1887, Pope Leo XIII declared her Patroness of Granada, and in 1913 she was canonically crowned. Later, Saint John Paul II visited her Basilica in 1982, highlighting the Virgin’s importance in the hearts of the people of Granada.
September: The Month of the Virgin
September is entirely dedicated to La Virgen de las Angustias de Granada. Thousands of faithful, schools, associations, and institutions visit her Basilica to pray and honor her. The highlights of the month include:
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The Solemn Novena – daily Masses filling the Basilica with devotion.
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The Floral and Solidarity Offering (September 15) – when thousands bring flowers, creating a colorful mosaic on the Basilica’s façade. The petalá (flower shower) by Granada’s firefighters and the Salve hymn mark emotional highlights of the day.
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The Procession of Praise – held on the last Sunday of September, when the sacred image parades through Granada’s historic center, stops at the Cathedral, and returns to her Basilica. It is the most moving and attended event of the month.
Faith, Tradition, and Local Flavor
The feast of the Virgin is not only religious but also cultural and social. The city transforms into a lively autumn market with seasonal fruits such as chestnuts, azaroles, jujubes, pomegranates, and maoletas.
Equally important is the Torta de la Virgen, the traditional sweet of the celebration. Baked in wood-fired ovens and filled with cabello de ángel, this pastry is shared by families as a symbol of unity. Tasting it is as essential as joining the procession.
The Basilica: Granada’s Devotional Center
The Basilica of la Virgen de las Angustias, located on Carrera del Genil, becomes the heart of the celebration. In September, it opens its doors wide, decorated to welcome pilgrims and visitors. Its bells ring joyfully, reminding everyone that Granada is living its most special month.
The devotion to Our Virgen de las Angustias, Patroness of Granada, is much more than a tradition. It is a living symbol of faith, identity, and unity for the city. Each September, Granada renews this centuries-old bond through flowers, processions, and the sweet taste of the Torta de la Virgen.
Today, as always, Our Lady of Sorrows remains the spiritual heart of Granada and the refuge for all who turn to her in faith.
