Our Lady Of Coromoto
Our Lady of Coromoto is a holiday that falls on the Monday closest to September 11th. This holiday is observed by Christians in Venezuela and is dedicated to the patroness of Venezuela. Although it’s not a public holiday, it is celebrated extensively across Venezuela, and banks are usually closed on this day. It’s also a day on which a mass is held for the Lady of Coromoto, and people travel to see the Virgin of Coromoto at Guanare, Venezuela.
Venezuela (Observance)The History of Lady of Coromoto
In 1591, when the city of Guanare was founded, the indigenous tribe that lived in the region, called the Cospes, fled into the jungle. This prompted the Roman Catholic Church to begin evangelizing to them, but their best efforts were resisted at first. According to legend, this is when the Virgin Mary appeared to the chief of the tribe not just once, but twice.
The first time the Virgin Mary supposedly appeared to the chief was in 1651, and she appeared to him in a river canyon. This is where she allegedly told him to be baptized. The second time it occurred was on September 8, 1652, when she is said to have appeared in his hut. According to this story, when the tribal chief attempted to grab her, she disappeared in an instant—leaving him holding nothing but a small painting of her. This became known as the Virgin of Coromoto.
The Virgin of Coromoto is 10.5 inches high and 8.5 inches wide. It’s made from parchment material and features the Virgin Mary holding her infant son Jesus in her lap. In 1942, the Venezuelan episcopate declared her as the Patroness of Venezuela.
Interesting Facts About Venezuela
Since this holiday takes place in Venezuela, we thought it might be fun to go over some of the fun facts we’ve learned about this country while we were researching Our Lady of Coromoto. So sit back, grab a drink, and let’s learn a few things about this South American country.
- The southern part of Venezuela is part of the northern Amazon Basin.
- Venezuela is one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet.
- In Venezuela, there are over 3,900 different species of fungi.
- Petroleum accounts for 80% of Venezuela’s exports.
- Other exports from this country include cement, steel, aluminum, and agricultural products.
- Venezuela has a hot and dry season and a hot and wet season.
- Approximately 96% of the population in Venezuela is Roman Catholic.
- Spanish is the official language of the country.
- In 1999, Venezuela adopted its most recent constitution.
- There are over 25,000 different species of orchids in the country.
Observing the Lady of Coromoto
This holiday is observed with a celebration and veneration of the Lady of Coromoto. People usually go to church, visit the relic of the Virgin of Coromoto, or spend the day in prayer. There is also typically a parade where the image of the Sacred Virgin travels the streets of Guanare in a vehicle to bless people and their homes.
Venezuela (Observance)
