Divina Pastora Day in Venezuela

Divina Pastora Day is a significant religious festivity held annually on January 14th in Venezuela, specifically in the city of Barquisimeto, the capital of Lara State. This day is dedicated to the Divina Pastora (Divine Shepherdess), a title for the Virgin Mary, who is the patroness of the region.

History: The tradition started in 1855 when a local priest, Monsignor José Macario Yépez, called for the Virgin's intercession during a cholera epidemic. The statue of Divina Pastora was brought from Santa Rosa to Barquisimeto and following her procession; it is said that the epidemic ceased. Since then, it has become an annual event.

Traditions:

• Procession: The centerpiece event is the procession of a revered statue of Divina Pastora, which sees hundreds of thousands of devotees walking together from Santa Rosa to Barquisimeto's cathedral.
• Masses: Multiple masses and religious services are held throughout the day.
• Flowers: Devotees often dress the statue with flowers and carry their own floral offerings.
• Music: Traditional Venezuelan music accompanies the procession.
• Prayers and Hymns: Participants pray and sing hymns dedicated to Divina Pastora throughout the day.
• Cultural Activities: Folkloric dances and other cultural expressions are showcased.

What People Do: On Divina Pastora Day, many Venezuelans partake in:

• Attending or participating in the procession whether out of faith or as part of cultural tradition.
• Dressing up in colorful clothes with some women donning dresses similar to what's believed to be worn by Divina Pastora.
• Praying for miracles or giving thanks for favors believed to have been granted by her intercession.
• Enjoying local food sold by street vendors along the route.

The event draws not only local participants but also worshippers from across Venezuela and even international visitors. For many Venezuelans, this occasion is deeply rooted in their cultural and spiritual identity.