The Virgin of the Valley
Isla de Margarita · Venezuela · National Patroness of Venezuela
The island of pearls
La island of Margarita - called "La Perla del Caribe" - was the first territory permanently colonized by Spain in South America (1498). The conquerors found an island rich in pearl oysters. The Franciscan missionaries soon arrived and began the evangelization of the Guaiqueris.
The finding of the image
According to tradition, the image of the Virgin of the Valley was brought to the island by the Spaniards around 1580. One of the most widespread versions shows that the image was found in the valley where today the village of El Valle del Espírito Santo is located, in the east of the island. Another tradition says the image appeared in an island cave inexplicable.
The image - 43 cm, wood size of colonial bill - shows the Virgin standing with the Child in arms. It was crowned canonically in 1910 by the Bishop of Merida.
Patron of Venezuela and fishermen
La Virgin of the Valley is the patron of the diocese of Margarita, the Venezuelan Navy and the Venezuelan state of Nueva Sparta. His devotion has spread throughout Venezuela, especially among the sailors and fishermen on the eastern coast. Every 8 September (his feast), thousands of devotees make the pilgrimage to El Valle.
For centuries, Venezuelan fishermen and sailors carried medals of the Virgin of the Valley as protection at sea. The tradition of hanging ex- votes (boat models, nets, hooks) in the sanctuary reflects the deep connection between Marian devotion and the life of the sea.
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