Resting in Morella

We woke up to a rest day in Morella. Yesterday’s walk had taken it out of us, although Gary’s knee was much improved to the extent that we roam around town. And what a town it is.

In the town hall were giant figures which are brought out into the streets on feast days. The Moors of North Africa captured the town thirteen hundred years ago and held it for nearly 500 years, until the Spanish Christians returned to claim it back. The Moors handed over rule of the town without any battle, leading to centuries of peaceful coexistence which has lasted until the present day.

In 1672 the town was ravaged by a terrible plague that killed much of the population of the town. The locals brought out the Virgin of Vallivana, a wooden likeness of the Virgin Mary, and carried it around the streets. Wherever this statue was taken those stricken with the plague were cured. A year later the town vowed to the Virgin that it would honour her with a celebration every six years, the Sexenni of Morella. This starts with a solemn pilgrimage carrying the image from Vallivana to Morella, followed by 10 days of festivities.

Any native of Morella who has left the town must return to fulfil the oath to the Virgin.

Stirring stuff.

Gary was caught in the light cast by the Lady.

We continued our pilgrimage to the nearest place which would fry eggs and dispense coffee. Then back to the hotel to rest in the sun whilst the Virgin of Roundhay carried beer to the devotee and uttered oaths.

We ended the day with another dose of spag bol in the nearest restaurant and got an early night to get prepared for a 24 mile slog tomorrow.

Night night.