THE FESTIVITIES AND DESCENT OF THE CHINITA

THE SALADILLO. THE PEOPLE THAT THE QUEEN CHOSE.

In his chronicle, Brother Nectario Maria highlights the fact that his appearance in Zuliano territory, the Virgin pointed which was his most beloved flock: the popular sectors, which had already in form clearly expressed to be in deteriorated altarpiece and choose as protagonist of his find to a laundress, representing the people most humble. For such reason has been called the lady of the saladillo, Virgin of the humble and needy.

The enthusiasm and faith of the people marabino was growing day by day, "And so, after serious investigation and mature review, ecclesiastical authority, according to the city council, available the transfer of the painting the Church parish (today cathedral)", The which was executed amid a numerous concurrence, preside by clergy, the Governor of the Province and many people who followed in procession. More, to the fold a corner that the are in the race (the path) of temple parish, the painting acquired a weight such, that no human force could lift it.

After many prayers to heaven and supplications the virgin and becoming already later, one of those present cried out loud: Perhaps you Virgin prefer the go Church of St John of God and not to the parish to where the want wear. This was taken as divine inspiration; change course of the procession and the painting regained its natural weight.

Now I bring a little of what are the feasts of Our Patroness.

Every year starting in October is celebrated "The descent of the Chinita" which officially begins today October 29 and since then begin the feasts of Our Patroness.

                                 Start of descent the chinita from its shrine.

The queen is with his people and to give the blessing.

As usual, every last Saturday of October, the devotion of the people of Zulia comes alive with the lowering of the Chinita. Thousands of pilgrims flooded the square of the Basilica to be reunited with her ​​employer under the strains of bagpipes that are composed in his honor.



            This gaita is about the homenaje we do for our Chinita: La Bajada de la Virgen

 

These are the lyrics to this beautiful gaita.

L y M: Abdénago “Neguito” Borjas

No puedo explicar, no puedo explicar, no puedo decir, lo que por Ti siento
Al verte dejar, al verte dejar, Tu sagrado altar, para ir con Tu pueblo (BIS)

¡Ay, mi Chinita!
Vos sois mi ternura,
Mi Reina del alma,
Tu rostro es dulzura
Que me da la calma
Mi luz infinita, ¡ay ve!
Cómo te quiero, ¡ay Dios!
Amorcito de mi vida
Yo te quiero
Yo te amo
Tu sonrisa es el regalo
Que llena de luz mi corazón (BIS)

Este amado lar, este amado lar, que ha sido tu grey, Tu fiel aposento
Te habrá de llevar, te habrá de llevar, en su corazón con gran sentimiento (BIS)

¡Ay, mi Chinita!
Vos sois mi ternura,
Mi Reina del alma,
Tu rostro es dulzura
Que me da la calma
Mi luz infinita, ¡ay ve!
Cómo te quiero, ¡ay Dios!
Amorcito de mi vida
Yo te quiero
Yo te amo
Tu sonrisa es el regalo
Que llena de luz mi corazón (BIS)

She tours all over the Zulia State and returns to the Basilica to start all the religious festivities.Other cultural activities are held during the fair. Expo-Zulia is a temporary marketplace where the zulians show a great deal products that characterize our region. Many merchants, stores, companies and artisans offer their products at reasonably low prices.  Many “gaiteros” gather in front of the basilica to sing their best gaitas to please the patron virgin. 

Is a religious tradition that we have every year during three days from November 17th until November 19th. In this fair we celebrate the chiquinquira´s Virgin miracle, this celebration is watched by the catolic church every november 18th.

On November 17th we have the populars "Amaneceres Gaiteros" which last until the sun comes out. On November 18th we all go to the church and them we have a parade with the Virgin.

"Square of Our Lady of the Rosary of Chiquinquirá"

Here in Maracaibo we love this fair, I still don´t know anyone that doesn´t like it, we have parties everywhere to suit  all tastes, even in churchs we have celebration, even though the people take out the monument of the virgin of the Basilica and walk her to some places of the city.

In my house all are Catholic, celebrate the fair the Virgin of Chiquinquira, I love going to the basilica and enjoy the fabulous shows.

This way we the celebration the CHINITA. Well, I hope you like it the History of the Lady of Chiquinquira... Please, leave a comment.

Lives its mercy to build fraternity