The Virgen del Carmen (Our Lady of Mount Carmel) of Marbella is set to be crowned by the Bishop of Malaga on 26 October 2024. This is the highest honor that an image of Our Lady can receive. The Virgen del Carmen has been the patron of Marbella since 16 July 2012, and the announcement has brought joy to the 1,200 members of her brotherhood.
Raúl Domínguez, a representative of the brotherhood, expressed his delight to SUR, stating that it was a dream come true. He revealed that 2024 would be filled with devotional events, but the traditional celebrations on 16 July, Día del Carmen, would remain unchanged. He also mentioned that the coronation day would be a special occasion, and they expected an increase in the number of brotherhood members, similar to when she became the patron saint.
The devotion to the Virgen del Carmen in Marbella dates back to the 18th century. A local historian, Francisco Moreno, explained that a tabernacle was installed in 1764 in what is now Calle Carmen, as per the last wish of a devout man. The tabernacle was later cared for by Paula Marmolejo, the wife of a prominent figure in Marbella, Miguel Domínguez Ibarra. The historian also noted that the Virgen del Carmen was introduced in Spain by the Carmelite order and was not only the patron saint of sailors but also of the Brotherhood of the Blessed Souls.
The coronation is a solemn liturgical act where a crown is placed on the head of Our Lady, acknowledging her devotional influence on the town. Marbella chronicler Francisco Moyano stated that she would receive special treatment and more illustrious recognition. The ceremony will be led by Jesús Catalá, Bishop of Malaga, who declared her as the patron saint in an ecclesiastical decree. The process began in 2021, and Domínguez admitted that it has been relatively quick considering the usual pace of such matters.
