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Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen, Tabarca
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When:
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16 Jul 2008 (annual)
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Where:
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Isla de Tabarca
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| Costs: |
Free
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On 16 July residents of Tabarca pay tribute to the Virgen del Carmen, patron saint of sailors. Celebrations commence when a statue of the virgin is carried through the city to the sea.
Tiny fishing boats bob in the water awaiting the Virgin's arrival, decorated with flowers and lanterns. When she arrives she is offered flowers by sailors and fisherman, who regard her as their protector and "Stella Maris" (star of the sea), while prayers are said in honour of those who lost their lives at sea.
The Virgin then sets sail for Villajoyosa in Valencia via San Pedro, to bless the sea and bring good luck to sailors and fishermen for the following year.
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