Virgen de la Candelaria Day in Venezuela

Tradition and symbol of light. In Latin America and Spain, every February 2nd, one of the most significant Marian festivities is commemorated: The Virgin of La Candelaria. She is the patron saint of the Canary Islands and one of the most venerated in Venezuela.

In the Venezuelan Andean region, especially in the State of Merida, the day of the "Virgen de la Candelaria" is celebrated by the "Brotherhood of the Vassals of La Candelaria", who perform a dance of undoubtedly propitiatory sense of fertility and fecundity of the land. In general, these celebrations are used to promote community and family unity, and to honor Mary as God's intercessor in the world. It is the celebration of the Spanish immigrants most identified in Venezuela. It can be defined as a 'house party' not strictly religious; everything related to the festive atmosphere and joy is done. Yellow candles called 'soul candles' are distributed in the churches, which, according to an old tradition called 'the feast of the candles', represent the lights that illuminate the path of people at birth and death. Some people keep them in their home altars for use in storms or family crises, which will be placed in the hands of the Virgin.