Image of Virgen de los Desamparados makes surprise visit to Xàbia

The tour is being carried out without stops and without revealing the itinerary or route in advance to avoid the potential for crowds.

Monday 24th May 2021 – ÁLVARO MONFORT with Mike Smith


The image of the Virgen de los Desamparados – Our Lady of the Forsaken – has made a surprise visit to Xàbia this morning, touring the main streets of the town aboard the “Maremóvil”.

Having already visited the main neighbourhoods in the city of Valencia to bring the fervour for Maredeueta a little closer to the people this year, the Archdiocese decided to bring the image to the faithful in the other municipalities that make up the diocese, a fleeting tour that would only be noticed if the passerby in the street came across the “Maremóvil” or recognized the music linked to the Virgen that was being played through the vehicle’s PA system.

In particular, the image is visiting senior residences, specialized centres, hospitals, health centres and parishes as a symbol of shelter and protection that is associated with the patroness of Valencia, one of caring for the most vulnerable groups that have been severely affected by the pandemic during the months of greatest uncertainty.

According to the Archdoicese, the tour is being carried out without stops and without revealing the itinerary or route in advance, a decision that has been made to prevent crowds gathering around the image that could be harmful to health in the current climate of COVID-19.