Holy Mary of Africa

Patrona, Mayor Perpetua and Governor of Ceuta · crowned in 1946

A Gothic size of the 15th century, brought by the infant Enrique el Navigante, chairs Ceuta as Saint Mary of Africa: patron, perpetual mayor and governor of the city, who every 9 February renews her vote of thanks.

Origin and history

Santa María de Africa is a 15th century Gothic size from Centroeuropa, which represents a Piety of strong expressionism. He arrived in Ceuta in the context of the Portuguese presence after the conquest of 1415: the tradition links it to the infant Henry the Navigant, who would have sent it in the first half of the 15th century with instructions to venerate it under the advocation of St. Mary of Africa; about 1425 was raised the primitive hermit-sanctuary, origin of the present sanctuary in front of the cathedral.

She is a patron of the city of Ceuta, as well as Mayor Perpetua and Governor. It was canonically crowned on November 10, 1946, and Pope Pius XII canonically declared his patronage on November 24, 1949. Its main holiday is August 5, with the novena from July 26 to August 3 and a flower offering on the 4th. A unique feature is the vote of graces: every 9 February, the Cabildo Cathedralicio and the City renew their vote to the Virgin, protector of Ceuta and its inhabitants.