Owing to these manifestations devout persons endowed the Virgin of Rocío with considerable sums of money, with which a larger shrine was built, while sumptuous garments, laces, and embroidery, with jewelry and precious stones, were provided for her adornment. In addition to this, Replicas of the original effigy were made and distributed around the villages of the neighbourhood, particularly the following:--
Kilos. Palma, distant 32 Moguer " 30 Umbrete " 45 Huelva " 65 Triana " 76 Rota " 55 San Lucar " 45 Villamanrique " 18 Pilas " 23 Almonte " 17 Coria " 44
At each of these and other places, "Brotherhoods" (_Hermandades_), affiliated to the original at Rocío, were established to guard these effigies; and it is from these points that every Whitsuntide the various pilgrim-fraternities journey forth across the wastes towards Rocío, each Brotherhood bringing its own carved replica to pay its annual homage to its carved prototype.
In the spring of 1910 the authors attended the _Fiesta_. Already, the night before, premonitory symptoms--the tuning-up of fife and drum--had been audible, and during the twelve-mile ride next morning fresh contingents winding through the scrub-clad plain were constantly sighted, all converging upon Rocío. It was not, however, till reaching that hamlet that the full extent of the pilgrimage became apparent, and a striking and characteristic spectacle it formed. From every point of the compass were descried long files of white-tilted ox-waggons--hundreds of them--slowly advancing across the flower-starred plain; the waggons all bedecked in gala style, crammed to the last seat with guitar-touching girls, with smiling duennas and attendant squires; the ox-teams gaily caparisoned, and escorted by prancing cavaliers, many with wife or daughter mounted pillion-wise behind, while younger pilgrims challenged impromptu trials of speed--a series of minor steeplechases. There were four-in-hand brakes, mule-teams and donkey-carts, pious pedestrians--a motley parade enveloped in clouds of dust and noise, but all in perfect order.
The following quaint description was written down for us by a Spanish friend who accompanied us:--
It is at the entry of the various processions that the most striking and picturesque effects are produced by the cavalcade. Here one sees displayed the grace and ability of the Amazon--the robust and comely Andalucian maiden, carried _á ancas_ (pillion-wise) at the back of his saddle by gallant cavalier proud of his gentle companion, and exhibiting to advantage his skill in horsemanship. The noble steed, conscious of its onerous part, carries the double burden with care and spirit, being trained to curvet and rear in all the bravery of mediæval and Saracenic age.