Santa María del Cubillo

Marian devotion of Santa María del Cubillo (Castilla y León)

Tradition tells of the Virgin and Child appearing to a shepherd around the mid-15th century on a wooden milking bucket or "cubillo" hanging from a tree, from which the title of the devotion is said to derive. Historically, the sanctuary developed as a place of devotion for transhumant shepherds in the Early Modern period, and its current structure is the result of successive expansions. It is important to distinguish between the traditional account of the apparition and the documented fact of the sanctuary's growth as a landmark for transhumance.

Main data

Origin and history

Tradition tells of the Virgin and Child appearing to a shepherd around the mid-15th century on a wooden milking bucket or "cubillo" hanging from a tree, from which the title of the devotion is said to derive. Historically, the sanctuary developed as a place of devotion for transhumant shepherds in the Early Modern period, and its current structure is the result of successive expansions. It is important to distinguish between the traditional account of the apparition and the documented fact of the sanctuary's growth as a landmark for transhumance.

The image and the sanctuary

The image is venerated in the Sanctuary of Santa María del Cubillo, a complex of hermitage and adjoining buildings, declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 1981. The sanctuary is located on the border between Santa María del Cubillo (province of Ávila) and Villacastín (province of Segovia); it is usually considered part of Ávila, although it also enjoys strong devotion in Segovia. The site served as a resting place for shepherds and their flocks, and devotion spread along the drove roads to areas of Ávila, Segovia, and Madrid, as evidenced by votive offerings and donations from livestock farmers.

Sponsorship and coronation

She is the patron saint of the surrounding rural area, greatly venerated by the shepherds of Ávila, Segovia, and Madrid. There is no record of a canonical coronation: sources speak of great devotion and pilgrimages, but not of a pontifical coronation.

Party and devotion

Its main festival is on September 8th, the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, the date of the main pilgrimage. The devotion of the transhumant shepherds, widespread along the drove roads, is the most characteristic feature of this sanctuary, which draws faithful from several provinces.

Link to the Rosary

No specific link between this devotion and the Rosary is found in the sources consulted.