Origin

According to tradition, the Greek princess Irene Laskarina passed through Montblanc on her way to Zaragoza, carrying with her an image of the Virgin Mary. Upon reaching a hill near the town, the oxen pulling her carriage stopped and refused to move forward. This event was interpreted as a sign that the image wished to remain in that place. The princess requested permission from King Jaume II to build a convent, and thus, the monastery of la Serra was founded in 1296. Since then, the Clarisse nuns have venerated the Virgin of la Serra, who became the patron saint of Montblanc and a symbol of great devotion for the local people. Her canonical coronation in 1906 marked a historic event, and since then, every 25 years, a special commemorative celebration is held.