Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine July 2017 | Page 388

La Virgen del Valle
The Valley of the Holy Spirit
Often called the Pearl of the Caribbean, the
pleasant beauty of this island has made it a
hub for tourism of which the locals are very
proud. Clear, blue Caribbean waters attractively
surround Margarita island, with the rugged
mountains and towering buildings creating
breathtaking backdrops, making it hard to deny
the almost-surreal claims of the people who have
visited. de la Virgen del Valle, the latter being one of the
most visited on the island.
Beautiful beaches are not the only attractions
that await you on your journey to Isla de
Margarita. This is an island bathed in colorful
culture and tradition which can be observed in
some of the building that dot the landscape. Every year on the 8th of September, locals and
tourists gather in the Basilica to honour the
Virgin. This is her feast day and an annual holiday
in the Nueva Esparta State.
Here, most of the locals are Roman Catholics and
medieval churches are still visible to this day,
such as the Cathedral of La Asuncion and Basilica
The Basilica de la Virgen del Valle is located in
the town of El Valle del Espíritu Santo at the
northwest of the island. La Virgen del Valle is the
patron saint of both the town and the Venezuelan
Navy, and the Basilica houses an image of the
Virgin Mary that dates back to the 1530s.
This site is a must-visit site for Roman Catholics
and history lovers. Outside the Basilica, souvenirs
as well as refreshments and local delicacies are
sold.