May 9 and 10 Romería del Cristo Amarrado in Jumilla

The revered figure of Christ Tied to the Whipping Post is accompanied back to its mountain sancutary

Every year on the second Sunday in May the Romería del Cristo Amarrado takes place in Jumilla, as the sculpted figure of Christ Tied to the Whipping Post travels from the historic centre of the town up into the nearby Sierra of Santa Ana del Monte, and in 2025 the programme of events has been extended to take in the whole weekend.

The figure of el Cristo Amarrado a la Columna is kept in the Convento de la Sierra de Santa Ana del Monte, 6 kilometres from the centre of Jumilla, for 11 months of the year, and is the most revered item in Jumilla's religious art heritage. It was created by the master sculptor Francisco Salzillo in 1756, when it was acquired by the monastery, and since 1848 has been brought down from Santa Ana on the evening of Palm Sunday, returning triumphantly in a Romeria on the second Sunday in May after a floral offering is made to the statue the Sunday before.

Programme 2026:

Saturday May 9

Morning: The Peña Caballista de Jumilla is organizing a journey from the Polideportivo La Hoya to the Convento de Santa Ana, with the participation of horse riders and those making the trip on foot. 

Afternoon and evening: Live music in the area around the Convento de Santa Ana la Vieja from the groups Brisa Flamenca and El Gato.

Sunday May 10

7.00: Mass is held in the parish church of Santiago before the figure of Christ moves off towards the church of San Agustin.

Hot chocolate and Fritillas Jumillanas are offered to participants at a local bar. All horses and carriages, horsemen and participants then head off at around 8.15 to the church of San Agustin, where they arrive at 9.00 to meet up with the statue and depart to the Monte de Santa Ana.

At the foot of the mountain, the participants meet up at the Paraje "El Prao" with an arch of flowers waiting there to accompany them on the final stretch. They then walk the final part up to the monastery through the forests which surround it, and on arrival Mass is held at around 11.00.

Most participants then go off for a walk or head to the Zona Recreativa, Santa Ana La Vieja where a typical Jumilla breakfast awaits them at approximately 11.30.

From 12.30 onwards live music is provided and then from 13.30 lunch is served. Consisting of a large very paella, this is eaten at temporary "barracas" (open air bars) in the recreational zone, serving tapas, food and drinks as well as a collection of artisan stands selling all manner of products throughout the day.

In addition a camping ground is to be set up, along with children's attractions and specially designated picnic zones. Parking is also provided for those who have chosen not to make the journey on foot. .

Taking part in the Romería

Those who wish to participate in the Romeria can do so in one of 2 stages. From the church of San Agustín participants can walk the 4 kilometres to the Paraje El Prao or take a bus. From El Prao it's another 2 kilometres on foot. Buses then ferry participants back into town until around 17.00.

Alternatively, drive to the recreational area and just walk the last stretch with the figure of Christ.

Visit the home page of Jumilla Today for more events, news and other information including the bodegas affiliated to the Wine Route.