Spanish holiday guide
Our Lady of La Bien Aparecida
On 15 September Cantabria honours Our Lady of La Bien Aparecida, the region’s patroness, at her sanctuary in Ampuero.
What it means
The feast is Cantabria’s great Marian day—pilgrimage, diocesan identity, and popular culture.
Origin and history
Devotion began with the 1605 finding of the image; in 1905 Pius X named her patroness of the Diocese of Santander.
How it is observed in Spain
Pilgrimage to Marrón, solemn masses, eve processions, and local festivities; regional holiday.
Interesting facts
- Sanctuary above Ampuero at Marrón.
- Patroness of Cantabria / Diocese of Santander since 1905.
- Traditional finding of the image in 1605.
Public calendar
Check the 2026 dates
Holiday status depends on place. See the official calendar pages for the locations covered by this guide.