The Romería del Rocío is a pilgrimage that takes place the week before Pentecost. The Pilgrims or 'rocieros' travel in groups and stay together. Such an association is called a Hermandad. This name dates back to earlier times and stood for an honest brotherhood with a protective function. The purpose of the pilgrimage is to bring the Simpecado (an emblem of La Virgen del Rocío) to El Rocío on a chariot pulled by cows and bulls, mules or horses.