On May 21st at 10:35 p.m. on ORF 2; then: “Nepal – Close to Heaven”
Vienna (OTS) – The El Rocío pilgrimage is one of the most spectacular pilgrimages in Spain, with almost 900,000 pilgrims per year. It brings together everything that is valued and celebrated in Andalusia. Faith, flamenco and horses. Even though almost half of Spaniards say they do not believe in God, religious customs and rites play a major role for almost everyone. “kreuz und quer” will show Marcel Mettelsiefen’s documentary “The Pilgrimage to El Rocío” on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 10:35 p.m. on ORF 2. Part 1 of the “criss-cross” two-part series “Nepal – Close to Heaven” designed by André Hörmann follows at 11:10 p.m.
“The Pilgrimage to El Rocío” – A film by Marcel Mettelsiefen
A week before Pentecost Sunday, up to 100 different brotherhoods from all over Andalusia hike to the small pilgrimage site of El Rocío. The pilgrimage is carried out as it was hundreds of years ago. On foot, on horseback or by ox cart. Flamenco plays a major role in this pilgrimage. The women wear elaborate flamenco costumes. There is singing, dancing and praying everywhere. For Antonio Gutierrez, known as Titi, the pilgrimage is the highlight of the year. For 15 years he has been the driver of the chariot that will carry the Marian standard for four days from Jerez de la Frontera, his hometown, to the pilgrimage chapel in El Rocío. The cult of the Virgin Mary has a long tradition in Andalusia. For many here, Maria is the role model of a strong woman and a loving mother. Even though Spain is becoming more and more secular, these folk customs and rites are still being maintained. It is a popular belief that often creates identity and a sense of community, somewhat outside of official church teachings.
Similar to the Way of St. James to Santiago de Compostela, the pilgrimage is the main element of the pilgrimage. For the brotherhoods traveling from the south of Andalusia, the entire pilgrimage route passes through the Coto de Doñana National Park. Far away from any civilization, it is the experience of nature that makes this pilgrimage so unique for many.
“Nepal – Close to Heaven” – A film by André Hörmann
Nepal – a country between jungles and mountain deserts, tropical hot regions and icy peaks. One of the poorest countries in the world and yet magical and mystical, kingdom of the gods and spiritual paradise. A country of ancient cultures, many peoples and eventful history, multi-religious between tradition and modernity. The Mahendra Highway, the trade route from east to west, runs through the Himalayan country with the highest mountains in the world.
The first film of the “criss-cross” two-part series “Nepal – Close to Heaven” – “From Ilam to Kathmandu” – begins on May 21st at 11:10 p.m. on ORF 2 in the east in the lower Himalayas on the border with India, in the beautiful hilly landscape of the tea plantations of Ilam. Then we continue to the city of temples to Janakpur and Chitwan National Park, the habitat of rhinos, wild elephants and leopards. Via Lukla, one of the most dangerous airports in the world, further up into the Himalayas, to the home of the Sherpas and Yaks to the place of longing for countless adventurers from all over the world and the symbol of Nepal – Mount Everest. Natural wonders line up alongside cultural sites, pilgrimage sites alongside vibrant bazaars, Buddhist sanctuaries alongside Hindu shrines. The final destination is the fertile Kathmandu Valley, home of the Newar people, the indigenous people of Nepal. The three royal cities of Bhaktapur, Patan and the rapidly growing capital Kathmandu with its countless temples are located here. Part 2 will be on Tuesday, May 28th at 11:05 p.m. on ORF 2 “From Manang to Bhim Datta”.