Our Lady of Muskilda

Patrona del valle de Salazar · Ochagavía (Navarra)

At the top of Mount Muskilda, on Ochagavía, a Romanesque hermitage guards the patron of the Salazar valley; every 8 September the Ochagavía danzantes with their enigmatic "bobo" with a bifrente mask rise in Romance.

Origin and history

The hermitage is a 12th century Romanesque temple, located on the top of Mount Muskilda, about four kilometres from Ochagavía, restored in the mid-17th century. It is governed by the Mere Lego Patronato of Our Lady of Muskilda. Inside is a Gothic size of the Virgin with the Child. Tradition tells that the hermitage was raised where a shepherd found the image guided by a bull that was digging next to an oak; a story presented expressly as a legend of origin.

Our Lady of Muskilda is patron of the Salazar Valley, spiritual reference of the whole valley. His devotion is closely linked to the folklore: every 8 September he rises in Romance to the sanctuary with authorities in salacenco suit, cabildo and the famous dancers of Ochagavía, eight dancers and a central character, the "bobo," of colorist clothing and bifante mask, who directs the dances.

Canonical coronation: not found in the sources.