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08/08/2009 Archived Article: "On Wednesday, August 5, the parish of Gaucín celebrated the solemn festival of Our Lady of the Snows)la Virgen de las Nieves,) patron of Gaucín"

The mass began the Fair in honor of her. Her chapel, in the church of San Sebastián, was especially decorated with red roses and a red carpet. Also, the statue of the Virgen was adorned with an ancient crown, recently restored, which is only brought out on this day (August 5.)

The solemn Act began August 5, at noon, with the church bells ringing for a long time., to announce the fair to all the gaucineños. That afternoon, at 7 p.m., there was the expositión of the Blessed Sacrament, and the rosary was said by the community. After Benediction, mass was said, attended by a large number of the parishioners.

Mass was said by the pastor, D. José Javier García Pascual; Concelebrating were two priests, Father Michael (from Maryland, in the United Status,) and Father Antonio Prieto (pastor of Algatocín, Jubrique, Benalauría and Genalguacil). Assisting the priests was an acolyte, Thomas Whittingham, a seminarian from Philadelphia, USA. Music was provided by the church choir.

After the mass the celebrants went to the Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows where they sang the Salve Regina (in Latin) and the pastor D. Javier put a basket of red roses at the feet of the Virgen, in the name of all the parishioners. The Parish World like to thank all who assisted at the celebration, this day so special for all the people of Gaucín