The city is already buzzing before dawn. Thousands of people, many dressed in traditional costumes, have risen early to participate in the traditional Offering of Flowers to the Virgin of Pilar, which officially began at 6:30 in the morning with the first groups departing from the Plaza Aragón. The central structure in the Plaza del Pilar is already starting to be covered with white and red carnations, creating an iconic image once again.
Since 4:15 a.m., religious events have marked the start of the big day. The children’s mass at the Basilica of Pilar at 4:30 has given way to the Rosary of the Dawn and the procession, which, carrying images of the Virgin of the Rosary and Saint Dominic de Guzmán, has traversed the historic center from the Parish of San Pablo to the Plaza del Pilar. At that same hour, the traditional «Call of the Rose» took place, a solemn mass of the Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary.
Meanwhile, the flower carpet makers from Ponteareas (Galicia) have been working since the first light of day on the floral carpet over which the papal procession will pass after the main mass.
The city is filled with people. The young bulls, as is customary, began at 8:00 a.m. in the Bullring of Misericordia. At 9:00 a.m., the group Xinglar provided music for the morning from the stage next to the offering.
Also from the early hours, numerous residents of Zaragoza and visitors have come to take part in another of the unique activities of the day: the River Offering, which set sail from the Expo pier heading to the Nautical Club.
For those more culturally inclined, the municipal museums are offering free entry all day: from the Museum of the Forum to the Theater Museum of Caesaraugusta, the Lonja, the Casa de los Morlanes, and other venues will be open both in the morning and in the afternoon.
The events continue without pause. Starting at 11:00 a.m., the Puppet Park opens, an ideal space for families with children, as part of the XV International Fair Theater Festival. Shortly after, at 12:00 p.m., puppet performances will begin at the Teatro Arbolé, a children’s show at the Museum of Fire, and the first presentations of Jurassic Planet and the International Circus Festival in Valdespartera.
This is all just in the first hours of the day. Zaragoza is experiencing its grandest day, with streets filled with emotion, flowers, traditions, and immense pride. And the best part… is yet to come.
