Our Lady of Candelaria: Celebration of light that revives the union of peoples and families

On February 2, the Day of Our Lady of Candlemas is celebrated around the world, a Marian invocation of the Catholic Church venerated in several states, cities, towns and localities of Venezuela, dating back to its cult in the country in the last third of the 17th century.

It is called Virgen de la Candela or de la Candelaria because the image has always had the Child Jesus in her right hand and a Candle in her left hand.

The cult is represented by the light of the flame emanating from the candles and which represent the culmination of the Catholic cycle of purification that begins on December 24 of each year. In the Venezuelan Andean region, especially in the state of Mérida, the Day of Our Lady of Candlemas is celebrated by the Brotherhood of the Vassals of La Candelaria, who represent a dance of undoubtedly propitiating the fertility and fecundity of the earth.

In general, these celebrations promote community and family unity and honor Mary as God's intercessor in the world.

Mazo News Team