In Venezuela, the beginning of the festivities in honor of the Virgin of Chiquinquirá, known as La Chinita, is one of the most emblematic events of the year, especially in Maracaibo, Zulia state. Every October 26, thousands of Venezuelan devotees and visitors from other nations congregate for the traditional “bajada” of the Virgin, an event full of spirituality, culture and sense of identity. This year, under the motto “Chiquinquirá, road of hope and peace: 125 years consecrated to her Son”, the image of the patron saint of Zulia descended from her dressing room to the altar, marking the beginning of weeks of celebration.
For Venezuela, La Chinita represents a symbol of unity and hope that resonates deeply in its history and culture. Her festivity connects generations and offers a space for people to find peace, comfort and strength in difficult times. Monsignor Enrique Pérez Lavado, Archbishop of Maturín and born in Marabá, recalled in his homily that the presence of the Virgin is a source of protection and spiritual renewal that inspires all Venezuelan people.
Program of Activities to Celebrate La Chinita
The descent is only the beginning of a series of religious and cultural activities in honor of La Chinita. These festivities extend throughout the month and are an opportunity for Venezuelans and foreigners to get to know this devotion:
- Distribution of Pasquines: October 25, after the 5:00 p.m. mass.
- Descent of the Virgin: October 26th at the Basilica's small square at 5:00 p.m.
- Procession of the Chinita: October 27 at 11:00 a.m. on the Malecon of Maracaibo.
- Piper Tribute: November 8 at 5:00 p.m.
- Solemn Eucharist: November 18 at 5:00 p.m.
- Closing of the Patron Saint Festivities: November 30, with a final mass and the traditional tour of the “Aurora” through Maracaibo.
La Chinita: An Encounter with Venezuelan Roots
Through the figure of La Chinita, Venezuela invites the world to share a tradition that embodies universal values: faith, hope and love. Although it is a profoundly Zulian celebration, the descent of La Chinita and the activities that accompany it attract people from all over Venezuela and Latin America, who find in it a source of inspiration.
The Bajada is a moment of communion that connects the Zulian community and the whole country around the image of its patron saint, strengthening the Venezuelan identity and opening the doors to those who wish to understand the spiritual richness of this country.
Every year, Venezuela demonstrates through this festivity how its culture and spirituality resist time and become a space of union, especially important in the Latin American context, where tradition and faith are intertwined to keep their roots alive.
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