In recent years, the San Blas pilgrimage has become one of the most popular in the region. The remote devotion to San Blas is combined with eminently recreational and festive events. An excellent sample of Murcian folklore, gastronomy and traditions that highlight the cultural values of our Region.

The Pilgrimage of San Blas de Santiago de la Ribera is a popular festival in San Javier where the image of San Blas is moved from the church of Santiago de la Ribera to the hermitage. It is held every year on 3 February to commemorate the saint.1 Since 2004 it has been declared a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest in the Region of Murcia.

Since 1975, a pilgrimage has been held in which the image of San Blas is taken from the church of Santiago de la Ribera to the hermitage,1 and it is a very popular pilgrimage in the Mar Menor region.3 It is attended by the “peñas huertanas”, who usually wear their typical costumes, and groups of horsemen with “rocieras”

The festive programme lasts throughout the weekend, from 3 to 5 February, with outdoor activities for all ages. The San Blas pilgrimage will be held a with a programme of activities, all outdoors, which will last throughout the weekend until Sunday 5 February. The Pilgrimage will start from the church of Santiago de la Ribera to the hermitage, in the San Blas area, accompanied by the a Choir and Dance group from San Javier and with the Saint carried on the shoulders of the Hermanda de Santiago y San Blas.

The Rondalla and Choir will sing which will be celebrated on the arrival of the Saint, at the hermitage surrounded by a pine grove where the pilgrims can enjoy a giant paella, as well as the traditional stalls where they can buy “sanblases” and the funfair which will be open all weekend.  

The little ones are invited on Saturday 4th February to the event “In your park or mine” from 10:30h to enjoy the children’s playground, a snack and shows.

On Saturday 4th February the Regional Day will be celebrated with the Regional Meeting of Cuadrillas from 12:00h in a day of conviviality with a tasting of “Caldo con pelotas”, in the surroundings of the pine forest. On Sunday 5th February, the pine grove will once again welcome visitors who will be able to enjoy a typical dish of migas. At 18:00h a fireworks display will bring the festival to a close.