The traditional pilgrimage, which began shortly after 8:00 AM, dates back to 1489. At that time, one of the three folds recognized by the Vatican, related to the cloths used by Veronica to wipe Christ's face on the way to Mount Calvary, was carried in procession. The aim was for the people of Alicante to pray for rain due to a great drought, and it was then that the well-known 'miracle of the tear' occurred, as a drop emerged from Christ's face.

Outside the Co-cathedral of San Nicolás de Bari, the starting point of the pilgrimage, several political figures gathered. Among them were the president of the Generalitat Valenciana, Juanfran Pérez Llorca, accompanied by several ministers; the Minister of Science, Innovation and Universities, Diana Morant; and the president of Les Corts, Llanos Massó. Also present were the mayor of Alicante, Luis Barcala, and the president of the Provincial Council, Toni Pérez, among other authorities.

More than 15,000 rosemary canes were distributed from early morning between the Town Hall square and the cloister of the Co-cathedral of San Nicolás de Bari for the participants. Many of them were dressed in the typical black farm laborer's smock and the blue and white scarf, distinctive elements of this celebration.

During the approximately 7.5-kilometer route, the traditional 'pareta' (stop) was planned halfway along Dénia Avenue. Here, more than 1,200 kilograms of anise rolls, made in wood-fired ovens (10 percent gluten-free and a similar percentage for diabetics), were prepared, along with 900 liters of mistela to refresh the pilgrims.

Once in the hamlet guarded by the Augustinian nuns, Alicante councilwomen Cristina García and Begoña León will be in charge, along with chaplain Miguel Ángel Cremades, of opening the niche in the dressing room where the Santa Faz is venerated. Following a strict 16th-century protocol from the time of Charles II, the relic will be carried under a canopy by the Bishop of Orihuela-Alicante, José Ignacio Munilla, to the monastery square to preside over the concelebrated religious ceremony, sung by the Tabarquera choir, before political, civil, and religious authorities.

The president of the Generalitat Valenciana, Juanfran Pérez Llorca, has announced that the Santa Faz pilgrimage will be declared an Intangible Cultural Asset (BIC). This declaration will increase its protection, recognition, and institutional support for a tradition that gathers more than 300,000 people each year. During the event, various authorities supported this measure, highlighting its cultural and symbolic value.