The Divine Shepherdess Day is much more than just a date on the calendar for the Venezuelans, is an encounter with the faith, tradition and cultural rootedness.
Each January 14, 2009thousands of faithful in Venezuelaespecially in the state of Laracelebrate this Marian invocation with one of the most important largest religious processions in Latin America.
This devotion, which began centuries ago, transcends borders and also accompanies Venezuelans who, far from home, find in this day a reason to reconnect with their roots and to keep alive a tradition that symbolizes hope and unity.
For this reason, in this article we will explain the origins of this celebration, how it has evolved over time and the special meaning that it has for those who celebrate it, both in Venezuela and abroad.
Do you want to know more about this magnificent day? Keep reading and you will discover curiosities that you didn't know until now.
Discover the history and origin of the Divina Pastora Day.
The history of the Divine Shepherdess Day begins in Spainin the year 1703with a vision that had Fray Isidoro de Sevillaa Capuchin priest.
In her dream, the Virgin Mary appeared as a shepherdess surrounded by sheep, symbol of protection and spiritual guidance. Inspired by this image, Fray Isidoro commissioned the creation of a sculpture that would reflect that vision, giving rise to the Marian invocation known as the Divina Pastora.
This performance soon won devotees throughout Spain and processions began to be popularized as acts of faith and celebration.
Decades later, this devotion crossed the ocean and reached Venezuelasettling in the small town of Santa Rosa, in Barquisimeto. Tradition has it that the image of the Divina Pastora was mistakenly sent to this locality instead of another dedication that had been requested.
The inhabitants, interpreting this as a divine actThey decided to welcome her as their patron saint. The exact date of her arrival is placed between 1715 y 1724, marking the beginning of a special relationship between the Virgin and the faithful of the region.
Over the years, the Divina Pastora became a symbol of hope for the Venezuelan people.
A clear example of its importance was during the cholera epidemic that hit the country in 1856. According to history, the inhabitants of Barquisimeto took out in procession the image of the Virgin, asking for protection.
Since then, their devotion has been consolidated and each year January 14, 2009 is celebrated with a large procession that honors its role as spiritual protector.
This story, full of faith and traditionnot only connects Venezuelans with their religious roots, but also keeps alive a practice that transcends generations and borders.
Tradition and culture in the procession of Barquisimeto
The Divine Shepherdess Day would not be the same without its famous procession, which takes place every year. January 14, 2009 at Barquisimetoin the state Lara.
This event, considered one of the largest manifestations of faith in Latin AmericaThe image of the Virgin Mary, which is the image of the Virgin Mary, gathers thousands of faithful who walk along the image of the Virgin Mary. Virgin in a sample of devotion and gratitude.
It all starts in the church of Santa Rosaa small parish that houses the image of the Virgin Mary. Divina Pastora. There, in a morning mass, a farewell is said to the Virgin before starting its journey to the Cathedral of Barquisimeto.
The journey, of more than 7 kilometersis not just a hike, it is a spiritual experience where the devotees pray, chant, and express their faith; turning the streets into a space full of hope and community.
Every detail of the procession has a special meaning. For example, the Our Lady wears a different dress every year, carefully designed to transmit a spiritual message. In some cases, the blue represents peace and faithwhile the golden details symbolize the divine light.
In addition, during the tour, thousands of people come to the image to see it. to ask for miracles or to give thanks for favors received.
This event is also a a time for Venezuelans to meet. Although many cannot be physically present at Barquisimeto, follow the procession through live broadcasts or participate in similar activities organized by communities abroad. It is a tradition that unites Venezuelans around their faith, no matter where they are.
And the procession is not only a demonstration of religious devotion, but also a reminder of the strength and resilience of the Venezuelan peoplethat you find in the Divina Pastora a symbol of hope and protection.
A thread of faith that unites Venezuelans from all over the world
For the Venezuelans living in the United Statescelebrate the Divine Shepherdess Day is a way to to keep their roots alive, especially when away from home.
This day not only evokes memories of the processions in Barquisimeto, but it also becomes a time to connect with the community and revive a tradition that transcends borders.
In many U.S. cities with a significant Venezuelan populationas Miami, Houston and Orlando, devotees organize meetings to honor the Virgin Mary. Divina Pastora.
These activities range from masses to small processionsadapted to local circumstances. Although they do not have the magnitude of the trekking in BarquisimetoThe celebrations are equally emotional and bring families and friends together to share their faith.
The Divine Shepherdess Day is also a opportunity for those of us who live abroad to pass on this tradition to the new generations.
Many parents who grew up walking alongside the Virgin in Barquisimeto now take their children to these celebrations in the United Statesteaching them the meaning of this Marian invocation and her role as spiritual protector.
In addition, in a country like United Stateswhere the cultural diversity is so widecelebrate the Divine Shepherdess Day not only reaffirms the Venezuelan identity, but also allows it to be shared with other communities.
Friends of different nationalities take part in these activities, learning about one of the most important Venezuela's most important religious traditions.
Some facts you didn't know
The Divine Shepherdess Day is not only full of faith and traditionbut also of stories and details that make it unique and specialDiscover some of the most important ones!
The procession of Barquisimeto and its way to the Guinness World Records
For example, did you know that the Barquisimeto procession is considered one of the largest in Latin America? In fact, he will run for the Guinness World Record of the world's largest pilgrimage in 2025.
Each year, more than two million people walk with the Virgin, which has led to consider this event as a one of the most multitudinous religious expressions of the continent.
In addition, there are efforts to record the procession as an event of worldwide importancewhich could put the Divina Pastora and its celebration in the international map, highlighting its cultural and religious value.
Its role in the history of Venezuela
One of the highlights of this tradition was during the earthquake of 1812. In spite of the damage in the region, the image of the Divina Pastora remained intact, a fact that was interpreted by the faithful as a sign of divine protection.
In addition, its importance was even more pronounced during the cholera epidemic of 1856, when the image was taken in procession to ask for the end of the disease. Since then, its role as spiritual protector of the Venezuelan people strengthened.
Beyond the records and curiosities, the real legacy of the Divina Pastora is the emotional impact it has on its devotees.
For the Venezuelansat home and abroad, this celebration is a reminder that, despite the challenges, the faith and unity are pillars that keep them strong and connected to their roots.
This tradition not only belongs to Barquisimeto, but to all those who find in the Divina Pastora a symbol of love, protection and hope.
From CuriaraWe hope we have brought you closer to a little piece of Venezuela to wherever you are and that on this day full of faith, hope and unity, you may celebrate our roots, no matter the distance.
In addition, we recommend that you do not miss our article of Venezuelan events in the U.S. to feel close to home. So we can revive our traditions and keep our roots alive, no matter what corner of the world we are in.
Curiara, uniting families.
