The story of the miracle of Les Coves de Vinromà is worth mentioning. It’s an event that left a mark on the collective memory of this small municipality in the Plana Alta region of Castellón.
It all began in December 1947, when a girl named Raquel Roca claimed to have seen the Virgin Mary in the Campana Cave, a place filled with historical and cultural significance.
From then on, the news sparked a wave of religious fervor, attracting more than 300,000 people to the town, creating an unprecedented phenomenon across the region.
Let’s delve into the details of this fascinating story, a mix of faith, expectation, and the challenges of post-war Spain.
The Origin of the Miracle: The Apparition in the Campana Cave
The miracle of Les Coves de Vinromà began when Raquel Roca, a 10-year-old girl, claimed to have seen the Virgin Mary in the Campana Cave.
This cave, located in the cliffs of La Morería, is accessible to visitors. According to the girl, the Virgin promised to return on December 1, 1947, and as a sign, would turn day into night at three in the afternoon.
The site, known for its ancient rock paintings and remains of Moorish dwellings, quickly became a center of attention.
The news spread rapidly, raising hopes for miracles similar to those of Fátima or Lourdes.
The Arrival of Thousands of People in Les Coves de Vinromà
On the eve of the anticipated date, the small town was filled with devotees, the sick, and the curious. More than 300,000 people arrived from different parts of the country, using the means available at the time: bicycles, carts, and even walking.
The nearby river became a supposed miraculous spring, where people drank and bathed, hoping for cures.
The event did not go unnoticed by the authorities. The Civil Guard deployed operations to manage the crowds, while local priests tried to temper expectations.
In this charged atmosphere of excitement and anxiety, everyone awaited the sign announced by Raquel Roca.
The Outcome: A Day of Cold and Disappointment
Despite the high expectations, nothing extraordinary happened at the appointed hour.
There was no darkness or visible miracles, but the intense cold of that day remained etched in the memory of those present.
Disappointment and frustration began to spread among the crowds, leading authorities to prohibit access to the Campana Cave to prevent unrest.
Alleged Miracles in Les Coves de Vinromà
Despite everything, some people claimed to have witnessed miraculous cures.
There were reports of a blind man regaining sight, a mute person speaking, and a tuberculosis patient improving.
However, days later, the press debunked these stories, further fueling the controversy surrounding the miracle of Les Coves de Vinromà.
The Influence of The Song of Bernadette and the Fate of the Roca Family
One of the most debated points was the possible origin of Raquel’s visions.
The Church attributed the girl’s claims to her imagination. She may have been influenced by a popular movie at the time, The Song of Bernadette, which told the story of the miracle of Lourdes and was widely shown across the country during that period.
After the incident, the Roca family, including her father Emilio Roca, decided to leave the town. It’s said they moved to Barcelona, though this is not confirmed. Allegedly, Raquel never returned to the town.
The Legacy of the Miracle of Les Coves
Although the miracle was never confirmed, the event left a deep mark on Les Coves de Vinromà.
For months, many people continued visiting the Campana Cave, seeking answers or cures.
The true miracle, according to many, was that no tragedies occurred among the massive crowds gathered in harsh cold weather.
This story has become part of the town’s rich cultural heritage, perhaps the most significant alongside its legacy of rock art and its stunning natural landscapes, such as the cliffs of La Morería.
For visitors, learning about the miracle of Les Coves de Vinromà is a way to delve into Spain’s recent history and the complex dynamics of faith and despair during difficult times.
How to Visit the Campana Cave and La Morería
If you want to experience firsthand the places where this fascinating story unfolded, you can visit. The cliffs of La Morería are accessible for exploration.
From there, you can enjoy panoramic views of the river and surrounding landscapes. Whether or not a miracle occurred, being there allows you to immerse yourself in the tales passed down through generations.
The miracle of Les Coves de Vinromà remains in the town’s collective imagination. It is also a symbol of the circumstances of a time marked by the challenges of the post-war era.
Les Coves de Vinromà—don’t miss visiting the Campana Cave, a corner full of history and mystery.
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What to See in Les Coves de Vinromà | What to Do in Les Coves de Vinromà | The Miracle of Les Coves de Vinromà
