The commemoration of the Virgen de la Paloma marks the culmination of the festivities in the Centro district, which take place throughout August with the celebrations of San Cayetano and San Lorenzo. Official events began on the night of August 14th with the opening of the doors of the parish of Virgen de la Paloma y San Pedro el Real, located at Calle de La Paloma, 19. That night, a floral offering was made, which will adorn the Virgin's float, followed by an adoration vigil until the early morning hours.
The morning of Saturday, August 15th, began with several Eucharists at the parish. Subsequently, a floral offering took place at the facade of the Colegio La Salle-La Paloma, followed by a Solemn Mass officiated by Cardinal José Cobo, Archbishop of Madrid. The ceremony was attended by authorities including the deputy mayor and acting mayor, Inma Sanz, and the regional president, Isabel Díaz Ayuso.
“"It is a very rewarding service to which we go because of a promise to the Virgin or to thank her for fulfilling the requests we make each year. And also so that the tradition is not lost, because it is a very beautiful day for our colleagues and for the people of Madrid."
One of the most anticipated moments is the traditional descent of the Virgin's painting, an original work from the 18th century measuring 1.70 meters in height and weighing 80 kilograms, carried out by a team of firefighters from the Madrid City Council. This year, the gala squad was led by Félix Alonso, a firefighter with over 40 years of service. The tradition, dating back to before the Civil War, originated when neighbors requested help from the fire station in Puerta de Toledo to carry the painting in procession.
After the recitation of the rosary and the Salve sung by María Pepa de Chamberí, the Virgin was carried out of the temple on shoulders to be enthroned on her float. The procession followed the usual route: Plaza de La Paloma, Calle Isabel Tintero, Gran Vía de San Francisco, Puerta de Toledo (where firefighters performed an exhibition), Calle de Toledo, Plaza de la Cebada, Puerta de Moros, Carrera de San Francisco to San Francisco el Grande, Calle Calatrava, and back to the church. The float, fully restored by Tasio workshops, features predominant blue and gold tones, with renewed wooden structures, electrical installation, and lanterns.
As a novelty, doves will be recreated with balloon shapes, in compliance with the law prohibiting the release of live animals. The procession also involved traffic diversions in various streets of the Centro district, including Puerta de Toledo and Calle Bailén, to ensure the safety of attendees.
