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Hundreds of believers gathered this Sunday in the Havana municipality of Regla to honor the Virgin of Regla, one of the most revered religious figures in Cuba, on the eve of her feast day on September 8th.
The information was published by the official agency Prensa Latina, which highlighted the blend of popular religiosity, Catholicism, and Santería that characterizes the celebration, declared a Cultural Heritage of the nation.
The pilgrims arrived from various parts of the country to attend the solemn mass and participate in the traditional riverside procession, in which the image of the Virgin sails through the bay of Havana as a symbol of protection for sailors and residents.
Dressed in blue and white, colors also associated with the orisha Yemayá, the devotees brought offerings, sang hymns, and expressed gratitude for favors received.
The devotion to the Virgin of Regla dates back to the 17th century, when her image was brought to Cuba and enshrined in a hermitage in Guaicanamar, now the municipality of Regla.
Since then, the "Virgen Morena" has been venerated as the Queen and Mother of the Bay, the guardian of the keys to Havana, and a figure that merges Catholic faith with Afro-Cuban tradition.
Beyond the religious aspect, the celebration has become a culturally significant event that reaffirms national identity and the strength of syncretism in the spirituality of the Cuban people.
On social media, messages of devotion and reflections around the date were also shared. Journalist Rafael Grillo wrote a prayer to the Virgin of Regla on Facebook.
"Grant me, Virgin of Regla, what I sincerely ask of you, so that I may serve you better in the future, honor you, venerate you, give you glory, and manifest your goodness and mercy," he said.
He also added: "So be it. Virgin of Regla and comfort of my soul, I turn to you today in my need, kneeling before your presence, hoping to receive your protection."
Grillo recalled that the Virgin of Regla is also Yemayá in Afro-Cuban tradition, the goddess of the sea, guide of sailors, and a symbol of protection during journeys. “We come from the womb and its amniotic fluid; we are creatures of the sea, which is why today is also a day to pray for pregnancies and childbirth,” he wrote.
Hundreds of Cubans in Miami attended the Ermita de la Caridad this Sunday to honor the Patroness of Cuba on the eve of her feast day, bringing sunflowers, various types of flowers, and lit candles in an atmosphere of deep religious and patriotic fervor.
The ceremony, broadcast live on Facebook, showcased the steady arrival of pilgrims who placed their offerings before the image of the Virgin.
In the vicinity, a wall stood out with the phrase "God: Homeland and Life," written in large letters alongside the Cuban and American flags, a reminder of the connection between faith, freedom, and nation, as well as the immigrants' desire to finally see the country free from tyrannical regimes.
During the celebration, a priest invited the attendees to present their supplications and desires to the Virgin of Charity.
In his words, he especially prayed for the sick, the imprisoned, the emigrants, and those who suffer the hardships of daily life, emphasizing that “Mary is the best path that leads us to God, for she is the Mother of God, but also our mother.”
From Santiago de Cuba, Archbishop Mons. Dionisio García Ibáñez recalled this Sunday that the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre has been a symbol of unity and comfort during the most tragic moments in the nation’s history.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Devotion to the Virgin of Regla in Cuba
Who is the Virgen de Regla and why is she important in Cuba?
The Virgin of Regla is one of the most revered religious images in Cuba. Her devotion dates back to the 17th century, when her image was brought to Cuba and enshrined in a chapel in what is now the municipality of Regla. She is honored as Queen and Mother of the Bay, and her worship blends elements of Catholicism and Santería, highlighting the importance of religious syncretism in Cuban culture.
How is the feast of the Virgin of Regla celebrated in Havana?
The feast of the Virgin of Regla is celebrated with a solemn mass and a traditional river procession in the bay of Havana. Devotees dress in blue and white, colors associated with the orisha Yemayá, and participate by carrying offerings and singing songs in honor of the Virgin, expressing gratitude for the favors received. This event is a manifestation of religious syncretism in Cuba, combining Catholicism with Afro-Cuban practices.
What is the cultural impact of devotion to the Virgin of Regla in Cuba?
The devotion to the Virgin of Regla has a significant cultural impact in Cuba. Beyond the religious aspect, its festival has become a cultural event of great importance that reaffirms the Cuban national identity. The celebration showcases the strength of syncretism in the spirituality of the Cuban people, blending elements of Catholicism and Afro-Cuban religions.
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