Amazing Record 4 Million People In Venezuela at One of the World's Largest Processions Honoring Mary as Divina Pastora or Mother of the Divine Shepherd

 

Massive Turnout for the 168th Divina Pastora Procession

On January 14, 2026, an estimated 4 million people gathered in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, for the annual procession of the Divina Pastora (Divine Shepherdess). This year’s event marked one of the largest turnouts in the tradition’s history, reflecting a powerful blend of religious devotion and national hope.

Key Event Highlights

  • Unprecedented Attire: For the first time in 168 years, the Virgin’s image wore garments inspired by local Afro-Venezuelan culture (the Tamunangue dance) rather than traditional royal robes. The Child Jesus was dressed in a classic liqui-liqui and alpargatas.

  • The Route: The pilgrimage covered 7.5 kilometers (approx. 4.6 miles), starting from the town of Santa Rosa and concluding at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Barquisimeto.

  • The Timeline:

    • 9:00 AM: Farewell Mass in Santa Rosa.

    • Afternoon: Arrival at the Cathedral after a 5-hour journey.

    • Post-Procession: The image will visit various parishes, hospitals, and shrines until March 28, 2026, before returning to Santa Rosa.

Historical & Social Significance

AspectDescription
OriginTraced back to 1740, when a statue meant for another location "refused" to be moved from Barquisimeto.
The MiracleDevotion surged in 1855 during a cholera epidemic; the annual walk commemorates the town's plea for healing.
Current ContextArchbishop Polito Rodríguez used the 2026 event to call for the release of political prisoners and national reconciliation.

Why This Matters

Beyond its religious roots, the procession serves as the cultural heartbeat of Lara state. Despite Venezuela's ongoing socio-political challenges, the record-breaking attendance highlights a collective search for "health, family unity, and the well-being of the nation."

Sources: https://laprensadelara.com/locales/otra-mirada-procesion-divina-pastora/

Image: De Guillermo De Armas - Trabajo propio, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=53875981

Text Sources: Wikipedia and pastorapp.com.ve

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