Procesion de la Divina Pastora

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Religious & SpiritualBarquisimeto/Santa Rosa
DatesDates TBA · Usually JanuaryCheck locally before booking
Duration1 dayListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forCeremony, pilgrimageRanked as the third-largest Marian
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: VES
CategoryReligious & SpiritualFestival type
The story

Procesion de la Divina Pastora in Barquisimeto/Santa Rosa

The Procesion de la Divina Pastora is an annual January 14 pilgrimage in which the image of the Divine Shepherdess is carried roughly 7.5 kilometres from the Santa Rosa sanctuary to Barquisimeto's cathedral, an 1855 cholera-epidemic vow that has grown into one of the largest Marian gatherings in the world, drawing millions of participants.

In 1855, cholera swept through Barquisimeto, killing residents faster than the city's terrified population could comprehend.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Ranked as the third-largest Marian pilgrimage on earth after Mexico's Virgin of Guadalupe and Portugal's Fatima, the Barquisimeto procession originated from a specific, still-recounted historical crisis, an 1855 cholera outbreak that residents believed ended only after they carried the Virgin's image through the city and a priest's personal petition to die last of the epidemic was reportedly granted, giving the tradition a documented crisis origin rather than a purely legendary founding

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

A Marian pilgrimage vow tradition originating in an 1855 cholera epidemic

Water and renewal

Living ritual

in which the community's plea for the Divina Pastora's intercession is renewed each year through the same processional route between Santa Rosa and Barquisimeto

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually January

Getting around

Move patiently around ceremony routes and leave space for worshippers and participants.

What to wear

Modest, comfortable clothing appropriate for a long religious walking procession in Lara state's warm climate; sturdy walking shoes are essential given the 7.5-kilometre route and the...

Safety

Watch local behavior before photographing, filming, or entering sacred spaces.

Where to stay

Stay near the part of the city you will actually use, with a simple return route after the main event.

Tickets/cost

Public ritual moments are often free, but donations, transport, or temple access may vary.

Language/currency

VES

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map10.07 N, 69.35 WOpen in Google Maps

Barquisimeto/Santa Rosa, Lara, Venezuela

Nearest airportBRM — Jacinto Lara
TransportMove patiently around ceremony routes and leave space for worshippers and participants.
Stay areaStay near the part of the city you will actually use, with a simple return route after the main event.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Barquisimeto/Santa Rosa via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Barquisimeto/Santa Rosa, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for January.Compare faresFestival gearModest, comfortable clothing appropriate for a long religious walking procession in Lara state's warm climate; sturdy walking shoes are essential given the 7.5-kilometre route and the density of the crowd.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Venezuela and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Procesion de la Divina Pastora?

Procesion de la Divina Pastora is listed for Past edition: 14 January 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Procesion de la Divina Pastora take place?

The festival is listed in Barquisimeto/Santa Rosa, Venezuela. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

One day is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Barquisimeto/Santa Rosa, Lara, Venezuela

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLvenezuelatuya.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually January
Source statusOfficial source linked
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