The Fiestas del Pilar in Zaragoza are a significant and vibrant celebration in Spain. Amidst all the festivities, one event stands out as a symbol of devotion and cultural richness – the Floral Offering to the Virgin of the Pillar. This offering is deeply ingrained in the city’s history, and year after year, it draws both locals and visitors to participate in this beautiful tradition.
A Patron Saint’s Growing Importance
The veneration of the Virgin of the Pillar dates back to the late 13th century, but it wasn’t until the 17th century that her significance in Zaragoza soared. In 1642, the city council proclaimed her the patroness of Zaragoza. In 1678, under the rule of Viceroy Pedro Antonio de Aragón, she was declared the patroness of the entire Kingdom of Aragón. These declarations marked a significant turning point in the history of the Virgin’s worship.
The Habsburg dynasty, in particular, played a role in strengthening the connection between the Virgin of the Pillar and the people. They saw this devotion as a way to undermine the political importance of the Seo Cathedral, which was a symbol of Aragón’s distinct political identity since the 13th century. The Habsburgs aimed to establish the Pillar as a counterpoint to the Seo, emphasizing their efforts to centralize governance across their various territories.
The Virgin as a Protector
The Virgin of the Pillar’s role as a protector became even more pronounced during the Napoleonic Wars and the Siege of Zaragoza. General José de Palafox strategically used the Virgin’s image in his propaganda efforts and as a symbol of unwavering resistance against the invading French forces. This further solidified her status as the protector of the people.
Fast forward to modern times, and we discover the origins of the Floral Offering and the Offering of Fruits, two of the most characteristic, colorful, and massive (pre-COVID) events in the Pilar Festival.
The Floral Offering’s Surprisingly Recent History
The Floral Offering, now deeply rooted in the festival, may seem like an ancient tradition, but its beginnings are relatively recent. While flowers were first placed at the Virgin’s shrine in 1872, it was not until 1954 that the tradition of a grand floral offering truly began.
Interestingly, the tradition didn’t even originate in Zaragoza but in Valencia. In 1945, Valencia began the practice of offering flowers to the Virgin of the Forsaken (Virgen de los Desamparados). When the Casa de Valencia opened in Zaragoza in 1954, its members continued this tradition, presenting a small floral offering to the Virgin of the Forsaken, located at the San Gil parish on Calle Don Jaime in Zaragoza. They also decided to pay tribute to the Virgin of the Pillar, the city’s host. In 1955, a floral offering was also made on behalf of the Virgin of Guadalupe from Mexico, traditionally considered the original Virgin of the Hispanic world. This association comes from the fact that the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, made their first arrangements for Christopher Columbus’s voyage to the New World at the Royal Monastery of Santa María of Guadalupe in Cáceres, a figure that was later taken to America and had a profound influence in Mexico.
The First Official Floral Offering in 1958
These floral offerings caught the attention of Manuel Rodeles, a city councilor in Zaragoza at the time. Intrigued by what was happening in Valencia, he, with the support of Mayor Gómez Laguna, promoted the first official Floral Offering in 1958. About 2,000 participants dressed in traditional regional attire took part in this historic event. The impact was enormous, and the tradition continued year after year. By the 1980s, there were over 50,000 participants, and in 2019, the city council estimated nearly 190,000 people participated in this beautiful expression of devotion and unity.
The Floral Offering to the Virgin of the Pillar has become an essential part of the Fiestas del Pilar, celebrating devotion, culture, and unity. It’s a testament to the enduring legacy of the Virgin of the Pillar and her role as a cherished symbol in the hearts of the people of Zaragoza.
