Located on the Margarita Island (Isla de Margarita - situated off the northeastern coast of Venezuela, in the Caribbean Sea), at halfway between the cities of Porlamar and La Asunción, El Valle del Espíritu Santo was founded as the capital of the island in 1529. In the village there is one of the most visited temples of the island and from whole Venezuela, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Valley, built in the late 19th century, and decreed Basilica Menor by Pope John Paul II in 1995.
In the temple is the image of the matron saint of fishermen, Nueva Esparta State and Navy of Venezuela: Our Lady of the Valley. Its history dates back to the 16th century, when was brought from Spain to the city of Nueva Cadiz, on the nearby island of Cubagua. Shortly after the December 25, 1541, the city was destroyed by a hurricane and the image was taken to the island of Margarita, where it is even today. In this place, the devotion to the Virgen del Valle grew rapidly as they were hearing the testimony of his miraculous cures and other favors granted.
In each year, on September 8 (the day of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary), is celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of the Valley, which begins with the descent of the Virgin from its place of honor on the altar of the temple to place at the height of the parishioners and carry it in procession. There remain until December 8 , when again is carried high.
About the stamp
The stamp is part of a series of ten dedicated to the Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, issued on April 12, 2013.
References
Margarita Island
El Valle del Espíritu Santo - Explorando Rutas
sender: Eliezer Saul Briceno (direct swap)
sent from Margarita (Nueva Esparta / Venezuela), on 02.06.2013
photo: Christian Mondin
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