By Sister María Inés Olguín
We are nearing the celebration of the great festival of our lady and patroness of Chile, the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. In nearly every region of the country, there are churches or chapels named after her and dedicated to her.
Preparations for this festival are in full swing. It’s a very special popular celebration where ancestral traditions blend with fervent devotion to Our Lady of Carmen. During these days, towns and communities dress up, decorating streets and squares with flags and flowers in honor of their heavenly mother.
The colorful traditional costumes and music of folk dances fill the air, creating an atmosphere of joy and religious fervor. Devotees and pilgrims gather at shrines and chapels dedicated to the Virgin, expressing their affection through prayers, songs, and gestures of devotion.
The main sanctuaries of Our Lady of Carmen are found in iconic places such as Santiago, Arica, Iquique, and the small village of La Tirana. In these places, solemn masses are celebrated, and processions are held in honor of our heavenly mother.
It’s a time when families and friends come together to share moments of faith and community. Processions are another highlight of this celebration, where the image of Our Lady of Carmen is carried in a solemn procession, accompanied by the fervent devotion of participants.
In summary, the feast of Our Lady of Carmen is much more than a religious celebration; it reflects the spirit and cultural identity of Chileans, who honor their patroness with love and gratitude, thereby strengthening their community and spiritual bonds.