The new ribbon retains the design and features of the traditional Pilar ribbons, but opts for a more sober tone. The Chapter itself explains that green is the liturgical color of Ordinary Time and that it “evokes the hope and life of faith that unfolds in the daily journey of every devotee or pilgrim.” The new model thus joins the different colors that have been available in the basilica for years.
These small ribbons reproduce the measurement of the statue of the Virgen del Pilar and have been part of Zaragoza’s tradition for centuries. Their origins date back to the 17th century, when they emerged as an alternative to the Virgin’s mantles in response to numerous requests to take them to sick people. The ribbons are considered sacramentals, and those sold at the Pilar have been in contact with the Virgin’s mantle. For devotees, their importance does not lie in the object itself, but in what it represents: a visible sign of protection and a way of entrusting themselves to the Virgin.
LINES TO GET THE USUAL RIBBONS — AND THE NEW ONE TOO
The new release quickly sparked curiosity among those who came to the Pilar this Friday. By 12:00 p.m., a significant line had already formed to buy the traditional Virgen del Pilar ribbons. Many said they had come for the ribbons they had always bought and did not even know that they could also get the new dark green model starting this Friday.
The news, however, quickly spread among those waiting their turn. After discovering the new color, some people alerted their relatives to ask whether they wanted to take advantage of the visit and get the new ribbon as well. One buyer decided to purchase six straight away: “I’m taking six, for my wife and me, my children, my son-in-law, and to put in my granddaughter’s stroller. She was born a week ago,” he explained while buying the ribbons.
HOW MUCH THE NEW PILAR RIBBON COSTS AND WHERE TO GET IT
The new dark green ribbon costs 1 euro, the same as the traditional ribbons. It does not replace any of the colors previously available but is being added as another option. Nor is it a limited edition, unlike the popular cachirulo-design ribbons launched two years ago.
The new ribbons can already be purchased at the store in the Cathedral-Basilica of the Pilar, located at the lower entrance on Plaza del Pilar closest to Zaragoza City Hall. However, they are not yet available in the vending machine located in the Sacristy of the Virgin.
