Young people have enjoyed a paella, a visit to the Roman Factory Salted and a boat trip in the Bay

200 pilgrims, mostly young, have enjoyed a few days of sun and beach in Puerto de Mazarrón before leaving for Madrid to attend the World Youth Day (WYD) 2011 to be held from 16 to 21 August in the capital of Spain. These pilgrims not only belong to the municipality of Mazarrón, but a large number of them have come from Argentina and Ecuador to attend this celebration. All have been hosted by different families of Mazarrón who opened their doors to welcome and accommodate them.

The faithful gathered on Sunday in the church of San José de Puerto de Mazarrón where a Mass was officiated by the Episcopal Vicar of the Diocese of Cartagena, Francisco Fructuoso. In the Eucharist also helped the mayor of Mazarrón, Ginés Campillo, and the Councillor for Culture, Tourism and Education, Maria Celeste Soria, who have welcomed them. After the Mass, pilgrims, among whom were also followers of Totana and Lorca La Hoya, have enjoyed a seafood paella in the coastal village.

Also, the City of Mazarrón has organized for all of them to visit the Roman Salt Factory museum where they were treated to bags of promotional gifts in the municipality, and a tour of the bay has by boat. The parish priest of San Jose, Justo Sanchez, thanked the consistory and families have welcomed the collaboration with these young pilgrims, of whom the vast majority will leave tomorrow for Madrid.

The World Youth Day (WYD) is an event organized by the Catholic Church to bring together young people from around the world. Held annually in each diocese in the world on Palm Sunday with a main ceremony at the Vatican. But every two or three years there is a major international meeting that takes AACB in a venue whose main ceremony is presided by the Pope. This is the second time it is celebrated in Spain, after which took place in Santiago de Compostela in 1989.