La Virgen de Suyapa, Honduras
Celebrate the Feast of Central America's Patron Saint in February
Apr 7, 2008
La Virgen de Suyapa has been the patron saint of Honduras since 1925 and the patron saint of all of Central America since 1982. She normally resides in the small Iglesia de Suyapa, but during the week of her feast day, February 2, she is moved to the much larger Basilica de Suyapa to accommodate the crowds of pilgrims who travel from all over Central America to see her. Only six centimeters/2.3 inches tall, the figure of La Virgen (The Virgin of Suyapa/Our Lady of Suyapa) was discovered in 1747 and credited with her first miracle in 1768.
La Feria de la Virgen de Suyapa
The feria is a large, casual event during which something is constantly happening, though people are free to come and go as they choose, and listen or not listen to the speaking and singing. Inside the Gothic Basilica, visitors light taper candles at tables already bright with flames, then attempt to press through the crowds of kneeling, praying faithful to get closer to the pedestal on the altar where La Virgen stands tiny and serene in her ornate gold case.
Groups and families sit normally in the pews, or gather in the open space toward the back of the Basilica and hang out and chat unrestrainedly while their children laugh, play, and slide around on the cool, smooth marble floors.
The weather in Honduras in February is warm, and outside you can wander around and buy souvenirs, posters, knickknacks, Catholic iconography, and velas (candles) for lighting in honor of La Virgen, from vendadores ambulantes (walking vendors) and people staffing stationary tents, stands, and blankets on the ground.
Be prepared for the sight of beggars, some displaying disturbing injuries or deformities, who congregate around the Basilica to capitalize on the generosity of the devout. They will rarely pester you; simply drop a few coins into their cups as you pass, or don’t – it’s your choice.
The Basilica and grounds are bustling with activity throughout the day and evening and it can be worth hanging around all day for the food and the festival atmosphere, but the casual visitor will not need to stay longer than a couple of hours.
Eating at the Feria de la Virgen de Suyapa
There is plenty to eat and drink available for purchase – just follow your nose to the outdoor grills and take your pick from chorizo (pork sausage), carne (beef), or other grilled meat served with boiled potatoes, fried yucca, rice and black beans, cabbage salad, and tortillas. Most food stalls have refrigerators and sell cold bottled sodas or bags of water. (Purified water in a sealed bag is safe to drink – just cut or tear one corner of the bag and squeeze the water into your mouth.)
Getting to Suyapa, Honduras
Suyapa is about seven kilometers/twenty minutes from the Honduran capital of Tegucigalpa. Catch a bus at 6a Avenida and 7 Calle across the river in the Comayagüela section of Tegucigalpa, or you can take a taxi.
Before your trip, check out some quick facts about Honduras.
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