With an impressive parade of boats through Pampatar Bay, fishermen and the faithful took part in the traditional Barloventeo, a maritime celebration in honor of Our Lady of the Valley that brings together hundreds each year in Venezuela.
On September 8, Pampatar Bay on Margarita Island once again became the setting for one of the most representative expressions of faith in eastern Venezuela: the Barloventeo in honor of Our Lady of the Valley.
The tradition consists of a maritime procession in which fishermen, families, and devotees accompany the Virgin across the waters of the bay. The boats, decorated for the occasion, sail together as the faithful pray and pay tribute to their patroness.
“A seafaring tradition that brings us together every year and keeps alive the faith and devotion of an entire people,” the Maneiro Mayor’s Office said on its social media accounts.
But the Barloventeo is not the only tradition associated with the feast of Our Lady of the Valley, whose celebration coincides with the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The day begins at midnight, when numerous faithful gather to take part in Holy Mass and celebrate the Virgin before accompanying her on her journey across the sea.
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