The Rocío Salve: what it is, when it is sung, and the symphonic version of Siempre Así

At El Rocío, there is a moment when everything stops: someone begins to sing the Salve and, suddenly, everyone joins in. The Salve is the most Rocío-like way to speak to the Virgin of El Rocío. Here we tell you what it is, when it is sung, where it comes from, and why we are so moved by the Siempre Así symphonic version.

First, listen to it:

Video: Siempre Así

What is the Salve Rociera

A salve is a song of praise and supplication to the Virgin. They all draw from the Latin prayer Salve Regina, and at El Rocío, that prayer has become its own music, with guitars, handclaps, and a tambourine, dedicated to the Blanca Paloma.

There is no single Salve Rociera. Many brotherhoods have their own, with their own lyrics and music. But when someone says "the Salve Rociera" without any further qualification, they are almost always thinking of the one popularized by Siempre Así, which is sung today on the road, in the brotherhood houses, and at any Rocío gathering.

Its lyrics are a modern song protected by copyright, so we do not play it here: the best way to hear it is in the video. What we can tell you is that, like all salves, it is a greeting and a praise to the Virgin of El Rocío.

When it is sung

• At the departure of each brotherhood. Before setting out, the Rocieros say goodbye to their town or city by singing the Salve.
• During the journey and upon arrival at the village. For example, when crossing the Ajolí Bridge, where many brotherhoods enter the village.
• Before the hermitage. When the brotherhoods present themselves before the Virgin and at every visit to the hermitage, it is customary to greet her with a salve.
• Upon returning home. When the brotherhood returns to its town or city, the Salve sounds once again.

And on the great Monday morning, the one of the leap over the gate, you can find it step by step in El Rocío 2027, Day by Day: From the Road to the Leap Over the Gate.

Siempre Así and the symphonic version

Siempre Así is a group from Seville founded in the early nineties, and its members met in the choir of the Brotherhood of El Rocío de Triana.

The version in the video belongs to their project Siempre Así Sinfónico: the arrangements and direction are by John Richard Durant, an English musician, and it is performed by the Royal Symphony Orchestra of Seville, recorded live at the Teatro de la Maestranza. The group's channel published it on October 17, 2019, and presents it as perhaps the grandest version of the Salve Rociera, with nods to Turina and Ravel in the arrangement. Without losing its Rocío charm, it sounds like a cathedral with the orchestra.

The Salve Regina: the prayer from which they all arise

Behind every Salve Rociera is the Salve Regina, one of the oldest and most beloved Marian prayers. It was already being recited in the 11th century, and its authorship has been debated for centuries. This is its traditional Spanish version, the one many of us learned as children:

God save you, Queen and Mother of mercy, our life, sweetness, and hope. God save you. To you we call the exiled children of Eve; to you we sigh, groaning and weeping in this valley of tears. Come, then, our Lady, our advocate, bring back to us those merciful eyes of yours; and after this exile show us Jesus, the blessed fruit of your womb. Oh most merciful, oh pious, oh sweet Virgin Mary!

Pray for us, holy Mother of God, that we may be worthy to attain the promises of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

El Rocío 2027: from May 14 to 17

The next pilgrimage will be held from May 14 to 17, 2027: Sunday the 16th is Pentecost, and Monday the 17th, the procession of the Virgin through the village. It will be a special Rocío, the first after the Coming of the Virgin to Almonte. And if you want to know its history, you can find it in Virgin of El Rocío: the history of the Blanca Paloma and her pilgrimage.

Singing it, praying it, and always carrying it with you

The Salve is sung in May, but what it says is needed all year round. That is why so many Rocieros wear their brotherhood's medal or a medal of the Virgin of El Rocío around their neck: it is the way to always carry her devotion, not only on the road, but also in everyday life.

Of course, a medal is not an amulet: it is a reminder of faith that you wear. Every time you touch it, you remember whom you entrust yourself to, just as when the Salve sounds. For those making the journey for the first time, for the annual pilgrim, or for those experiencing it from afar, it is the gift that is best understood.

If it is a gift, write the message you want in the product page and we will write it by hand on a card, free of charge. It can be a phrase from the Salve Regina: "our life, sweetness, and hope".

Unsure between one and another? We can help you with how to choose your medal of the Virgin of El Rocío.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Salve Rociera?

It is a song to the Virgin of El Rocío inspired by the Salve Regina prayer. Many brotherhoods have their own salve, and the best-known is the one popularized by the Seville group Siempre Así, which is sung on the road, before the hermitage, and at any Rocío gathering.

When is the Salve sung at El Rocío?

At the departure of each brotherhood, during the journey and upon arrival at the village, during visits to the Virgin in her hermitage, and upon returning home. In 2027, the pilgrimage will be held from May 14 to 17.

Who performs the symphonic version of the Salve Rociera?

Siempre Así with the Royal Symphony Orchestra of Seville, with arrangements and direction by John Richard Durant. It was recorded live at the Teatro de la Maestranza in Seville, and the group published it on its channel on October 17, 2019.

Facts You Can Verify

• The symphonic version of the Salve Rociera by Siempre Así features arrangements and direction by John Richard Durant and was recorded live at the Teatro de la Maestranza with the Royal Symphony Orchestra of Seville. Source
• Siempre Así was formed in Seville in the early nineties; its members met in the choir of the Brotherhood of El Rocío de Triana, and its project Siempre Así Sinfónico premiered at the Maestranza with the Royal Symphony Orchestra of Seville. Source
• Many brotherhoods of El Rocío have their own salve, with their own lyrics and music. Source
• The brotherhoods sing the Salve at their departure, upon arriving at the village via the Ajolí Bridge, and upon their return. Source
• The Spanish text of the Salve Regina and its antiquity (it was already being recited in the 11th century). Source
• El Rocío 2027 is from May 14 to 17. Source

The most beautiful medals in the world are at Khartes. And if you want to see how our customers wear them, follow us on Instagram: @khartesmadrid.

Marian and Bárbara