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.
“A true sea of people gathered to sing to her, thank her, and celebrate her day together. A moving display of faith that reminds us how much Our Lady of the Valley means to our people,” the mayor’s office said.
A Tradition Born From a Small Gesture
Although it now draws hundreds of people, the Barloventeo began in a much simpler way.
The tradition emerged between 1997 and 1998 at the initiative of Carmen Natera, a devotee from Pampatar who wanted to offer Our Lady of the Valley a ride on the sea, inspired by the maritime processions held for Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
The first outing took place in a small fishing boat called El Furiosito. Over the years, other fishermen began to join, and what started as a family initiative became a tradition that now brings the entire community together.
Now, every September, the waters of Pampatar become the setting for a remarkable expression of faith.