A Pucela, en grato recuerdo...

September 8 is the Nativity of Mary, Mother of God, and her representation as the Nuestra Señora de San Lorenzo is the major feast day in the city of Valladolid, Spain. And to be honest, there's no other place you should be in on this day other than Valladolid.

Heos aquí algunos videos (uno sacro y el otro, un poco más profano) hechos el año pasado por alguien que de por vida ya quedará encantado de esta ciudad castellana. La guarda siempre en su corazón y está convencido cada vez más de que una gran parte de él se ha trasformado ya en pucelana. ¡Aúpa Pucela!


This is the procession of the Patroness of Valladolid toward the Metropolitan Cathedral for the high mass. She is escorted by honor guards and is showered with roses on her way.


It's also an occasion for street parties and endless beers and food. Here's the start of the merrymaking, with the members of social clubs called peñas imposing the pañuelo de fiestas to the statue of Conde Ansúrez, founder of Valladolid, in the city's main square.