I've always been intrigued, ever since I've been aware of it, by seeing the Virgin of Carmen "dance" through the streets of the neighborhood every July. I feel a deep curiosity to understand the motivation of those people who, crowded in a precise and disciplined formation, remain hidden beneath an embroidered skirt that covers a complex structure of iron and wood. Between litters and stretchers, to the cry of "All equally brave," with vigor, determination, and strong and severe movements, they put their backs into it, lifting and supporting more than a ton of weight on their necks.

At every stop, rest, or change of pace, cheers, songs, prayers, and praises to the Virgin are heard uninterruptedly by the thousands of faithful who throng the streets and gather around the throne. A few remember them and shout: "Long live the costaleros!"

While for many, the La Isleta neighborhood is inextricably linked to the figure of the Virgin of Carmen, for others, the very essence of the festival lies intrinsically in its costaleros (bearers of the Virgin Mary). These men—lawyers, carpenters, drivers, students, etc.—who, depending on their position, are pateros (boatmen), costeros (costaleros), fixadores (fixers), or corrientes (ordinary)—with their devotion, effort, sweat, and tears, embody an example of faith and dedication.