This Thursday, the Patron Saint's Day 2025 began in honor of the Virgen de la Chiquinquirá

Published at: 16/10/2025 09:22 PM

The 2025 Patron Saint Festivities in honor of the Virgin of Chiquinquirá, which begin this Thursday, October 16, will not only celebrate 316 years of miraculous renewal and 83 years of her canonical coronation, but will also celebrate the canonization of the first Venezuelan saints: José Gregorio Hernández and Carmen Rendiles.

This was reported by priest Nedward Andrade, pastor of the Basilica of Our Lady of Chiquinquirá, when he presented, at a press conference, the schedule prepared for the Patronal Feasts 2025, which begins with the unveiling of the cloaks that La Chinita will wear in the Bajada, the solemnity, the procession of the Dawn, among other ceremonies, reported the Venezuelan News Agency (AVN).

“Not only will we celebrate 316 years of miraculous renewal and 83 years of the Canonical Coronation of Our Lady of the Rosary of Chiquinquirá, but we will also celebrate, as Christians, the elevation to the altars of Dr. José Gregorio Hernández, better known as the doctor of the poor, and Mother Carmen Rediles,” he said.

After the monthly Chiquinquireño homage, which takes place on the 18th of each month, a vigil will begin to watch live the broadcast of the canonization ceremony of Saint Joseph Gregorio Hernández and Saint Carmen Rendiles, on a giant screen in the early morning of the 19th, where you can enjoy information capsules about the work of the first saints in Venezuela.

Schedule for the Patron Saint's Day 2025:

‎El program will begin on October 16 with the blessing and unveiling of the cloaks of the Virgin.

On October 18, the swearing in and presentation of the new ideology of the Servants of Mary, and the Vigil of Holiness, in preparation for the canonization of the new Venezuelan saints.

‎ On October 25, the traditional Bajada de la Virgen de Chiquinquirá will take place, one of the moments most awaited by the faithful. As is tradition, the flock gathers to witness the descent, from their niche, of the Virgin Mary in her dedication to the Chiquinquirá.

Lake procession that begins from the Malecón in Maracaibo, on October 26.

Later, on November 6, the Canastón will be held.

On November 08, Piper's Day will take place, with surprises and musical performances in the Basilica Square.

‎El homage to La Chinita by the marching bands will take place on November 14.

On November 17, the serenade to La Chinita will take place starting at 12 midnight.

Solemnity of Our Lady of Chiquinquirá on November 18.

Finally, on November 22, the archdiocesan canonization ceremony will be held, accompanied by collective marriages.

The closing will be on December 7th with the traditional Aurora Chiquinquireña, which will mark the end of the festivities. It starts at 11:00pm until dawn, and then, between prayers and bagpipes, to accompany the spiritual mother of the Zulians as she climbs her niche.