Virgen del Carmen de Torrevieja

Marian title of Torrevieja (Comunitat Valenciana)

The Virgin of Carmen is the patron of the sailors and fishermen of Torrevieja, coastal city of Vega Baja del Segura with one of the most important salins in Europe. The acvocation of Carmen - Mary as the Star of the Sea and protector of the sailors - is deeply rooted in the coastal communities of the Mediterranean, and in Torrevieja the co-frady of fishermen has kept this devotion alive over the centuries.

Main data

Origin and history

The Virgin of Carmen is the patron of the sailors and fishermen of Torrevieja, coastal city of Vega Baja del Segura with one of the most important salins in Europe. The acvocation of Carmen - Mary as the Star of the Sea and protector of the sailors - is deeply rooted in the coastal communities of the Mediterranean, and in Torrevieja the co-frady of fishermen has kept this devotion alive over the centuries.

Image and sanctuary

The image is venerated in the Chapel of Our Lady of Carmen, attached to the Church of the Sacred Heart. The importance of this invocation in cultural life is attested by the Centro Cultural Virgen del Carmen, the main municipal auditorium of Torrevieja, which bears its name.

Sponsorship and coronation

Patron of the sailors and fishermen of Torrevieja. No canonical coronation.

Party and devotion

The holiday is held on 16 Julywith solemn Mass, maritime procession by the bay of Torrevieja (the image sails on board a boat escorted by the fishing fleet), floral offering at the Monument to the Man of the Sea and popular celebration.

Link to the Rosary

The Virgin of Carmen and the Rosary are closely linked in the marine tradition. The devotion of the fishermen of Torrevieja includes the prayer of the Rosary as protection in the sea.