With great fervor and devotion, the festivities in honor of the Virgen del Carmen took place in her temple located in the Historic Center of San Luis Potosí. This sanctuary is one of the busiest in the city, as the Carmelite devotion is one of the most sought after by the faithful Potosinos. Although the celebrations begin weeks earlier, with the image of Our Lady of Carmen pilgrimaging through different temples of the city, it is precisely on July 16 when the largest celebration takes place.
A tradition that brings the community together
To honor the Virgin, street stalls are set up around the Carmen square, while dancers and fireworks, including the traditional gunpowder castle, enliven the festivity. As every year, the faithful Potosinos packed the temple located behind the Alameda “Juan Sarabia”. The turnout was so large that this year the side door of the church was opened to allow a constant flow of people and avoid crowding at the main entrance.
Testimonies of faith and miracles
In the multiple masses celebrated, faithful could be seen wearing a large scapular on their chest, a symbol of Carmelite devotion. Many claim that the Virgin has granted them “more than one miracle,” making her one of the most miraculous devotions in San Luis Potosí. Isabel, a devotee, recalled that since childhood her family took her to the Carmen temple and that on more than one occasion she felt the Virgin’s favor. She recounted that during a celebration, a rocket known as a “bomba” fell near her, but fortunately the device fizzled and did not explode. Isabel believes her salvation was a divine intervention, and the fireworks handler at that time could not believe she had come out unscathed, as the explosion could have cost her life or caused serious injuries.
The festivity of the Virgen del Carmen is not only a display of faith but also an opportunity for the community to gather and share their devotion. The image of the Virgin, known for her miraculous power, continues to be a spiritual pillar for the Potosinos, who come every year to thank for the favors received and renew their hope.
Original source: sanluis.eluniversal.com.mx (published on July 16, 2024)
Photo: Daniela Sánchez on Unsplash
