Our Lady of the Kings
Every 15 August, at dawn, Our Lady of the Kings, patroness of Seville and its archdiocese, goes out in procession from the Cathedral. Before that, a novena and pilgrims' masses in the early hours.
When
Next: Sunday, August 15, 2027.
On 15 August, the feast of the Assumption. The procession leaves at 8 am, after the pilgrims' masses in the early hours. The novena runs from 6 to 14 August and the octave from 16 to 22 August.
Last time: Saturday, August 15, 2026.
What it is
Our Lady of the Kings (Virgen de los Reyes) is the patroness of Seville and its archdiocese. According to tradition the 13th-century image was a gift to King Saint Ferdinand after the conquest of the city, and legends have it accompanying the monarch in his battles. It is venerated in the Royal Chapel of the Cathedral, beside the urn of the Saint King.
Pope Pius XII proclaimed her patroness of Seville and its archdiocese in 1946; 2026 marked the 80th anniversary. For her 15 August procession, on great occasions she wears the white robes with castles and lions, made from a gala dress of Queen Isabella II first worn in 1858, which the queen donated to the Virgin in 1884.
Where
At Seville Cathedral. After the pilgrims' masses inside, the Virgin goes out in procession at dawn through the streets around the Cathedral, in the historic centre, and returns for the stational mass.
Customs and traditions
The day begins in the early hours: the Cathedral doors open at around 5 am and there are masses before the Virgin at 5:30, 6:00 and 6:30, attended by many Sevillians before the procession. After the procession the archbishop presides over the stational mass.
On the same day, from first thing, some convents and churches display their Sleeping Virgins (Vírgenes Dormidas), images of the Virgin at the moment of her Dormition that are not normally shown to the public. Before the 15th there are besamanos (hand-kissing ceremonies) of the Virgin in the Royal Chapel.
FAQ
Who is Seville's patroness?
Our Lady of the Kings, patroness of Seville and its archdiocese since Pope Pius XII proclaimed her in 1946.
What time does the Virgen de los Reyes go out on 15 August?
At 8 am, after the pilgrims' masses at 5:30, 6:00 and 6:30.
When is the novena?
From 6 to 14 August, in the Cathedral, with morning and evening services.
What are the Sleeping Virgins?
Images of the Virgin at the moment of her Dormition that some convents and churches display on 15 August and that are not normally on show.