Our Lady of Coromoto is the patroness of Venezuela and one of the most significant Marian devotions in Latin America. Her main celebration takes place on September 11th, commemorating an apparition that, according to Catholic tradition, occurred in the mid-17th century in the Guanare region.
The story recounts that the Virgin Mary appeared to Chief Coromoto in 1652, asking him to receive baptism and unite his people in the Christian faith. After an initial rejection, another apparition reportedly happened about a year later, leaving a small image in the chief's hands. This relic is now preserved in the National Sanctuary of Our Lady of Coromoto in Guanare.
Officially recognized as the patroness of Venezuela by Pope Pius XII in 1942, the devotion gained national prominence. In 2007, the sanctuary was elevated to a Minor Basilica by Pope Benedict XVI. Annually, Guanare receives pilgrims from various regions and neighboring countries for celebrations including masses, processions, and cultural events, where faith intertwines with national identity.
In a country facing social, economic, and political difficulties, Our Lady of Coromoto remains a symbol of hope for many Venezuelans, including those in the diaspora, accompanying migrant communities.