Penyes Pilgrimage to the Santa Faz
A traditional morning pilgrimage walk organised by the local penyes (social clubs), setting off from the main square toward the Santa Faz sanctuary, accompanied by a music band and with a shared almuerzo (snack of cana bread and rolls) for participants. A genuine, welcoming local experience; the 2026 edition was on 19 April, so look for the next one in spring 2027.
This is one of those mornings the town keeps for itself. The penyes, San Juan's local social clubs, gather in Plaza de la Constitucion, where cana bread and rolls are handed round, then set off on foot toward the Santa Faz sanctuary. A colla of musicians comes along for the whole walk, so there is a steady drum and pipe behind you. It is unhurried and easy to join, more friendly stroll than solemn march, with families and neighbours strung out along the road.
There is an almuerzo for everyone who turns up, the sort of pause where strangers end up chatting. No tickets, no fuss, no cost. It usually falls in spring, tied to the wider Santa Faz pilgrimage near Alicante. The 2026 walk set off mid-morning on 19 April, so look for the next one around the same time in 2027.
Source: https://www.santjoandalacant.es/event/romeria-de-les-penyes-a-la-santa-faz/