Overview

• The Santa Faz pilgrimage in Alicante saw record participation with over 300,000 attendees, marking one of Spain’s largest religious events.
• President Carlos Mazón's absence, due to a U.S. trade mission, was criticized by opposition parties as a political anomaly and avoidance of public scrutiny.
• The pilgrimage, led by Bishop Jesús Munilla, commemorates the 1489 arrival of Veronica’s veil relic and holds deep cultural and religious significance.
• A robust security operation of nearly 1,000 personnel ensured the safety of participants during the 7.5-kilometer procession to the Monasterio de la Santa Faz.
• Mazón’s U.S. trip aimed to strengthen trade ties and address tariff challenges, but his decision has fueled debates about balancing tradition and governance.