culture
febrero 1, 2026
The Vassals fulfill their promises to La Candelaria
Every year, during the first three days of February, the Vassals of La Candelaria of Mérida carry out religious and cultural activities to venerate the Virgin Mary under her title of Our Lady of Candelaria. This Catholic tradition represents the presentation of the Child Jesus at the temple, and in the state of Mérida, it dates back to the 19th century and is celebrated in the Juan Rodríguez Suárez Parish (La Parroquia) in the city of Mérida; in El Valle; and in Santa Cruz de Mora. Ronny Uzcátegui, president of the Vassals of La Candelaria Civil Association, commented that being a dancer is serving the Virgin in gratitude for the miracles. He added that, as an organization, they aspire to be declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, “we need those who can join us to achieve this goal.”
TL;DR
- The Vassals of La Candelaria of Mérida perform religious and cultural activities annually in early February.
- The tradition venerates the Virgin Mary under the title Our Lady of Candelaria and dates back to the 19th century in Mérida.
- Devotees wear ornate straw hats, decorated jackets and capes, trousers, espadrilles, and carry maracas and sticks.
- Dances such as El Palito, La Contradanza, and Sebucán are performed as thanksgiving for harvests and before the Virgin.
- The tradition involves both religious devotion and cultural expression, with a growing number of participants over the years.
- The origin story involves a woman finding a wooden plaque of the Virgin, leading to a dance in her honor.