Caravaca de la Cruz celebrated a significant milestone on Thursday, as King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia made their royal visit to commemorate the closure of the Jubilee Year, which saw over 800,000 visitors and marked the fourth such event since it began back in 2003. The visit was met with enthusiasm from locals who expressed their affection and respect for the royal family, demonstrating the pride of the Murcia region.
The royal couple arrived punctually at 12:00 PM at the Plaza del Arco, where local residents adorned the area with Spanish flags and traditional decorations. The warm welcome set the tone for what was described as “a very special day for the whole region” by Fernando López Miras, the President of the Murcia Region. Echoing sentiments of admiration for the monarchy, López Miras highlighted the importance of the Crown as defenders of rights, freedom, and democracy.
The visit included stops at several iconic locations, starting at the Town Hall where they were greeted by Mayor José Francisco García. The Mayor presented the King with ceremonial gifts, including the keys to the city and handwoven alpargatas known as “peregrinas.” The moment marked not only their visit but the deep-seated respect the local populace has for the monarchy.
Following their welcome at the Town Hall, the Kings proceeded to the Basílica de la Vera Cruz, where they participated in a short religious ceremony. Once inside, they were able to venerate the revered ‘Lignum Crucis,’ the original fragment of the True Cross, which has been held sacred since the 13th century. This site is not only significant religiously but also culturally, attracting pilgrims from all over the world.
After the ceremony, the royal couple visited the exhibition titled ‘El Siglo de Tegeo’ at the former Compañía de Jesús Church. The exhibit focused on the works of local artist Rafael Tegeo, who was recognized as the royal painter for Queen Isabel II. The Kings were presented with the original proclamation of the Constitution of 1837, which was delivered to the public during the reign of María Cristina de Borbón, mother of Queen Isabel II. This gesture underscored not only the historical significance of the moment but the continued relevance of the monarchy.
During their visit, it became evident just how much the local community cherishes their royal visitors. Crowds lined the streets, with many residents expressing their excitement through applause and cheers, creating an atmosphere akin to local fiestas. The visit rekindled memories of previous royal visits, as Caravaca de la Cruz has hosted the Kings on multiple occasions, including the last Jubilee Year visit in 2017.
López Miras reflected on the visit, stating, “The Kings left delighted by the affection shown by the city,” emphasizing the deep-rooted relationship between the local population and the royal family. He articulated how the citizens had the perfect opportunity to showcase the love they consistently have for the Crown.
The Jubilee Year celebrations themselves, granted by Pope John Paul II, allow the town to host this religious event for centuries. Starting from 1998, the Jubilee is marked every seven years, with 2024 experiencing extraordinary participation from pilgrims and tourists alike.
According to López Miras’s office, the economic impact of this Jubilee Year is notable, surpassing 200 million euros, demonstrating Caravaca's role as not just a religious site, but a vibrant community contributing to the broader economy. With approximately 800,000 visitors, this year's figures represent a 60% increase over the last Jubilee Year and solidify the area's reputation as a pilgrimage destination.
Overall, the royal visit underscored the cultural and historical importance of Caravaca de la Cruz as a significant pilgrimage site. The presentation of the original 1837 Constitution proclamation, alongside the celebration of local history, was not just about honoring traditions but fostering ties between monarchy and local heritage. The Kings encapsulated this sentiment by engaging directly with the public, reinforcing royal visibility and affection within the community.
With this year's Jubilee closing, Caravaca looks forward to becoming a continued hub for cultural and religious activities, drawing interest and respect from around the globe. Each event showcases not only its rich history but also the communal spirit of its residents, signaling the promise of future visits and celebrations with the royal family.