From a Child's Dream to the Floral Mantle of the Virgin of Joy

Children's dreams will dress the Virgin of Joy this year on Easter Sunday. The image will be adorned with a floral mantle designed by some of the city's children for the past five years. For Easter 2025 in Alicante, the chosen one is Dánae Roch Gil, an 11-year-old member of the brotherhood who won the contest organized by the Glorious Brotherhood of Our Lady of Joy.

The organization aimed to modernize the floral designs that dress the Virgin of Joy for the procession that each Easter Sunday travels from the Basilica of Santa Maria through the city center. They encouraged children participating in the September gatherings to draw the mantle. Each year, the youngest members of the brotherhood and the children's commissioners of the Bonfires participate in this event.

From this contest, 70 drawings were submitted, and 12 were preselected, including the design that will dress the majestic statue this year. The brotherhood explains to the children that it is a floral mantle, so the drawings must adapt to this style. During the gathering, the mantle is simulated with all the children's drawings, and they are also treated to hot chocolate.

Dánae Roch Gil will see her design adorn the Virgin of Joy this year. The young girl and her parents will be among the few citizens to witness the adorned float before the doors of Santa Maria open and the city enjoys the colorful mantle design. Additionally, the girl receives a Virgin's caramba with a blue and white ribbon, which only she will wear during the procession. This year, she will process alongside last year's winner—who couldn't participate due to rain—and both will be accompanied by the brotherhood's mantilla ladies.

This young girl has inherited her family's devotion to the Virgin of Joy, as they are all part of the Brotherhood. Her grandfather is one of the founders, and although he can no longer be a costalero, he continues to parade at the foot of the float in traditional Alicante attire.

Now, until this Easter Sunday, the entire family eagerly awaits the first sight of the floral mantle that will cover the statue. As the brotherhood notes, it is a "very exciting moment." Last year, when the young winner of this contest finally saw her drawing on the Virgin of Joy's mantle, she was moved to tears in her parents' arms."