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Virgen del Pilar, patrona de la Hispanidad
The Virgen del Pilar, affectionately called la Pilarica, is the patron saint of Zaragoza and Hispanidad. Every October 12, thousands of people bring flowers to her basilica in one of Spain's largest floral offerings.
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Virgen del Pilar, Francisco de Goya (Wikimedia Commons, public domain)
History of the devotion
According to tradition, on January 2, 40 AD, the Virgin, who was still living in Jerusalem, appeared to the apostle James on the banks of the Ebro, in ancient Caesaraugusta, while he was preaching despondently. She left him a jasper column as a sign of her presence and asked him to build a church there. That is why it is considered the first Marian devotion in history. We tell you more about it in Saint James the Apostle and the Virgen del Pilar.
The image and its tradition
The small image of the Virgin with the Child, measuring about 38 centimeters, is venerated on the pillar in the basilica's Holy Chapel. The faithful queue up to kiss the column through a small opening in the back.
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Fun facts
- The Virgin wears a different mantle almost every day. On the 2nd, 12th, and 20th of each month, she is shown without a mantle, revealing the column.
- The basilica houses two bombs launched in 1936 that fell on the temple and failed to explode.
- She is the patron saint of the Civil Guard, and her feast day, October 12, coincides with Hispanidad Day.
Facts you can check
- On February 8, 1913, King Alfonso XIII signed the order that proclaimed the Virgen del Pilar patron saint of the Civil Guard. Source
- October 12 is Spain's National Day by Law 18/1987, of October 7. Its sole article states: "October 12 is declared a National Day of Spain for all purposes." Source
- The Floral Offering is younger than it seems: the one considered the first took place in 1958. In 1965, the Pilar Festivals were declared of National Tourist Interest. Source
- Goya painted two frescoes in the Basilica of Pilar: The Adoration of the Name of God, in the vault of the choir facing the Holy Chapel (1772), and the dome Regina Martyrum, commissioned in 1781 and painted in less than two months. Source
Why give a Virgen del Pilar medal
It is the perfect gift for a Pilar or a Pilarín, for those Aragonese at heart, or for anyone who has devotion to the Virgin. It is a classic for baptisms and communions, and a very special gift around October 12.
Want to see what it looks like? Watch our Virgen del Pilar medal reel on Instagram.
Discover our Virgen del Pilar medals, handmade in Spain with natural pearls and stones such as lapis lazuli or turquoise.
Khartes Medals
The most beautiful medals are at Khartes
Medal of the Virgen del Pilar with natural pearls€69I want itMedal of the Virgen del Pilar with ruby and sapphire€69I want itMedal of the Virgen del Pilar with natural pearl and blue enamel€69I want it
Handcrafted in Spain · Free shipping from €65