The program for the patron saint festivities of La Mata in honor of the Virgin of the Rosary has been presented.

The Councillor for Festivals of the Torrevieja City Council, Rosario Martínez; the Councillor for Beaches, Antonio Vidal; and the President of the Association of the Brotherhood of Our Lady of the Rosary, Cayetano Gil, presented this morning the program of the Patron Saint Festivals of La Mata 2026 in honor of the Virgin of the Rosary, which will be celebrated from Saturday, September 12, until Wednesday, October 7.

The program includes religious, musical, gastronomic, children's, and community activities for residents and visitors. Among the main events are the pilgrimage to Eduardo Gil Rebollo Park, the Dawn Rosary, the floral offering, the High Mass and subsequent procession with the image of Our Lady of the Rosary, as well as the popular open-air dances, the paella competition, and the traditional Multicolor Parade.

Rosario Martínez highlighted that “the patron saint festivities of La Mata constitute one of the most deeply rooted and beloved celebrations in our municipality, because they keep our traditions alive and bring together residents of all ages for several weeks.”

The Councillor for Festivals has stated that “together with the Our Lady of the Rosary Brotherhood Association, we have prepared a very complete program, which includes religious events, social gatherings, music, activities for children and popular events.”

For his part, Antonio Vidal highlighted “the special connection of these festivities with the identity and daily life of La Mata,” and encouraged “the residents of Torrevieja and those who visit us during these dates to participate and enjoy each of the scheduled events.”

The president of the Our Lady of the Rosary Brotherhood Association, Cayetano Gil, expressed his gratitude for the collaboration of the City Council and all those who make the festivities possible. “This program is the result of many months of work and the dedication of those who wish to preserve and pass on the devotion to our patron saint and the traditions of La Mata,” he stated.

START OF THE FESTIVITIES AND PILGRIMAGE

The festivities will begin on Saturday, September 12th, at 12:00 noon, with the traditional "Surriagaso," which will kick off the celebrations for the patron saint of La Mata. The day will feature a brass band, DJ, water parties, and various other entertainment options.

On Sunday, September 13th, the pilgrimage to Eduardo Gil Rebollo Park will take place. The procession will depart at 9:30 a.m. from the Parish Church, and an open-air Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. The return of the pilgrimage to the Parish Church is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.

The program will continue on Friday, September 18, at 9:00 p.m., with the "Our Young Seniors" social event.

CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES, CINEMA AND DAWN ROSARY

On Saturday, September 19th, at 11:30 a.m., the children's running of the bulls will take place. The event will begin in Gaspar Perelló Square, next to the La Mata Town Hall, and will proceed through various streets, ending in Encarnación Puchol Square with a large foam party. Later that day, at 8:45 p.m., an open-air movie screening with popcorn and cotton candy will be held in Encarnación Puchol Square.

On Sunday, September 20th, at 7:30 a.m., the traditional Dawn Rosary will be celebrated, followed by a sung Mass. At 12:00 p.m., the "Parabares" will begin, a tour of the bars and restaurants of La Mata.

POUCH DINNER, FLORAL OFFERING AND PAELLA COMPETITION

The Plaza de Encarnación Puchol will host a potluck dinner on Friday, September 25th, at 9:00 PM, which will be enlivened with a mobile disco.

On Saturday, September 26, at 6:00 p.m., the traditional floral offering to the patron saint, Our Lady of the Rosary, will take place. The day will also include the presentation of medals and a sung Mass.

On Sunday, September 27, starting at 10:00 a.m., the grand paella competition will take place, accompanied by bouncy castles, music, a foam party, and DJs.

The festivities will enter their main phase on Friday, October 2nd, with a brass band starting at 6:30 p.m. At 10:00 p.m., a large open-air dance will take place featuring a performance by Diego Martín and the show “The Playlist of Your Life.”

On Saturday, October 3rd, at 6:00 PM, the streets of La Mata will host the Multicolor Parade, featuring one float and seven sound trucks. The day will conclude at 10:00 PM with another open-air dance, headlined by the Atenas Orchestra.

HIGH MASS AND PROCESSION OF THE VIRGIN OF THE ROSARY

On Sunday, October 4th, the program will begin at 9:00 a.m. with the traditional reveille. Holy Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. At 7:30 p.m., the High Mass will take place, followed by a procession through the streets of La Mata with the image of Our Lady of the Rosary. The day will conclude with a fireworks display.

From October 5th to 7th, the triduum in honor of the Virgin of the Rosary will be celebrated.

The festivities will conclude on Wednesday, October 7th, the feast day of Our Lady of the Rosary. At 12:00 noon, the bells will ring, and at 7:15 p.m., Holy Mass will be celebrated in honor of the patron saint of La Mata.

Rosario Martínez, Antonio Vidal and Cayetano Gil have invited residents and visitors to participate in the celebrations and have thanked all the entities, groups, municipal services and people who contribute to the organization and the proper development of the Patron Saint Festivities of La Mata.