Our Lady of Light

Tariff Patron (Cádiz)

In a sanctuary between alcornocals, on the outskirts of Tarifa, Our Lady of Light, patron of the city, is venerated, linked by tradition to the battle of the Salate and to the supplica of Alfonso XI: "Lady, Light, more Light!."

Origin and history

The Tarifean tradition links the advocation to the battle of the Salate (1340) and to the plea attributed to Alfonso XI, "Lady, Light, more Light!," which would explain the name and foundation of the sanctuary. The Virgin is attributed to interventions in times of plague, cholera, drought and during the French siege in the War of Independence.

The sanctuary is already documented in the 14th century, although the current construction is the result of numerous reforms; the venerated image is from the late 16th or early 17th century. His devotion is markedly popular and pilgrim: the Virgin remains in the city during September and, among other traditional gestures, the faithful pass under her mantle.