DirectRooms.com - Pamplona Residents Celebrate The Virgin Mary Ascending Into Heaven

Online, June 2, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Known as Virgen de la Paloma, La Asuncion or Feast of the Assumption, the occasion is celebrated across the country and is of significant importance that it qualifies as a national holiday. Every year the main procession takes place on 15th August and this year anyone heading to Pamplona can look forward to the regal parade featuring a lifelike statue of Mary carried through the city.

Leading up to the parade which starts on the last day, some celebrations also are held from 11th August but the main event will be the one to watch with Mary's image grandly paraded past the crowds. Adding to the spectacle will be a large band and entertainers and locals wearing traditional dress as everyone has a hand in helping with the procession.

The origins of the celebrations go back to the 18th century and fulfil two purposes, one is Mary's departure from the physical life and the other is her body's assumption to be with Jesus in heaven.

With so many people turning out to watch the events cheap Pamplona Airport hotels are likely to be oversubscribed as it's a special time for people to return home.

Lek Boonlert, marketing head at DirectRooms.com commented: "Such is the popularity of the event that searching for availability at hotels becomes increasingly difficult the closer it gets to the event. Pamplona is a popular place so booking hotels in advance makes sense."