Mare de Déu dels Desamparats d’Ibi

Marian Invocation of Ibi (Comunitat Valenciana)

La Mare de Déu dels Desamparats es la patrona principal y canónica de Ibi, municipio de L’Alcoià conocido mundialmente por su industria juguetera. La imagen llegó a Ibi el 9 August 1731, in charge of a Valencian sculptor, and the following month the first party was held in his honor. The canonical patronage was formally recognized in 1932 by papal reconstitution, which set 9 September as a local holiday. The festive roots are older: the oldest municipal act of festive shooting dates from 16 June 1596, and in 1797 Charles IV authorized the shooting from 8 to 16 September. The original image was destroyed in 1936; the current image, the work of sculptor Rafael Alemany, reached Ibi the 3 September 1940 and was received with great popular fervor.

Main data

Origin and history

La Mare de Déu dels Desamparats es la patrona principal y canónica de Ibi, municipio de L’Alcoià conocido mundialmente por su industria juguetera. La imagen llegó a Ibi el 9 August 1731, in charge of a Valencian sculptor, and the following month the first party was held in his honor. The canonical patronage was formally recognized in 1932 by papal reconstitution, which set 9 September as a local holiday. The festive roots are older: the oldest municipal act of festive shooting dates from 16 June 1596, and in 1797 Charles IV authorized the shooting from 8 to 16 September. The original image was destroyed in 1936; the current image, the work of sculptor Rafael Alemany, reached Ibi the 3 September 1940 and was received with great popular fervor.

Image and sanctuary

The image is venerated in the parish church of Ibi. The parties of Moros and Christians in his honor have been declared Provincial Tourist Interest.

Canonical coronation: 12 September 1931.

Sponsorship and coronation

Ibi canonical pattern (papal reconstitution, 1932). Canonically crowned on September 12, 1931 (on the occasion of the bicentennial of his arrival), presided over by Bishop Francisco Javier Lauzurica and Torralba. The crown was made of 254 fine pearls, precious stones and jewels donated by the village.

Party and devotion

The patron parties of Moros and Christians are held in September (three days, nine days after the first Wednesday of the month). In 1981, extraordinary parties were held for the 25th anniversary of the arrival of the image.

Link to the Rosary

The devotion to the Mare de Déu dels Desparamats in Ibi includes the prayer of the Rosary as the central practice of the brotherhood and during the celebrations.