Yaracuy promotes the safeguarding of the cult of María Lionza

Published at: 22/09/2025 11:29 AM

The Promoting Commission for the Safeguarding of the Cult of María Lionza and the Dance in Candela held an assembly in Quibayo, Yaracuy State, with the purpose of defining strategies for the protection and preservation of this cultural manifestation.

As a result, a document was drafted with the objective of establishing a line of cooperation between State institutions and communities to ensure the application of unified protection measures “in accordance with the laws that govern this matter and the UNESCO conventions”, with an approach of inclusion and respect for tradition.

In this regard, the goal was also set to promote the active participation of communities, collectives and individuals, as protagonists in the planning and execution of protection and safeguarding actions.

Another objective proposed is the development of protocols and criteria for the protection of the monument and the elements of worship, “respecting their meanings, valuing those who practice it and recognizing the natural and cultural contexts in which it develops”.

Finally, it was proposed to promote specific actions to safeguard the Candle Dance, a ritual that was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Nation on October 11, 2024 by the Ministry of Popular Power for Culture. It is one of the most distinctive elements of worship and requires the participation and organization of the community to ensure its continuity.

MINCULTURA/Mazo News Team