Cartagena celebrated the feast of our Lady of Mount Carmel with Devotion

Cartagena (Colombia) celebrated the feast of our Lady of Mount Carmel with Devotion

17-07-25

The city experienced yesterday, July 16, a day marked by religious fervor and strong community participation during the celebration of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, one of the most venerated Marian devotions among the people of Cartagena and a symbol of spiritual and cultural identity for thousands of faithful. From the early hours of the morning, communities from various neighborhoods came together in processions, Masses, and symbolic acts that reaffirmed the deep connection between tradition, faith, and culture that defines this celebration.In the Blas de Lezo neighborhood, located in the Virgen y Turística district, the festivities began at 4:00 a.m. with an emotional dawn procession organized by the Parish of Our Lady of Consolata and the Community Action Board. Dozens of neighbors and devotees accompanied the procession through the main streets of the neighborhood, culminating in the Virgencita Park, where the Holy Rosary was prayed, followed by a Eucharistic celebration in honor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. This activity marked the official beginning of a day that blended religious expression with a strong sense of community belonging.

Miguel Ángel Redondo Mendes, a resident of the neighborhood and devoted follower, shared what this date means for the people of Blas de Lezo: “For us, Our Lady of Mount Carmel represents the heart of the neighborhood. She has been present since its founding and brings us together as a community. It is a day to renew our faith and reflect on the value of being united as a family.”

As is customary, the celebration was not limited to just one day. Concepción Coneo de la Hoz, a member of the Directive Association of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Blas de Lezo, highlighted that the preparations began on July 7 with the traditional novenas. “This is a celebration we live with great enthusiasm. Devotees come to light candles and bring religious items like scapulars to be blessed. July 16 is an essential part of our culture and spiritual identity,” she stated.

Meanwhile, devotion was also strongly present in the tourist areas of Bocagrande, Castillogrande, and El Laguito, where the day began with a procession from María Mulata Park along the pedestrian walkway by the sea. Accompanied by a caravan of vehicles, the faithful — mostly drivers, sailors, and tourism workers — paid tribute to their protector, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, in a symbolic act of faith and gratitude.

The Mayor’s Office of Cartagena, through Corpoturismo, publicly thanked the active participation of the community and the collaboration of the Archdiocese of Cartagena, as well as the parishes of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and Saint Mary of the Sea, for their essential role in coordinating the religious events held on this important day.

Cartagena continues to strengthen its position as a destination for religious and spiritual tourism on the international stage. Its membership in the World Network of Religious Tourism reinforces this commitment and gives visibility to celebrations such as that of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, which not only strengthen the city’s cultural roots but also offer visitors authentic and deeply human experiences.

Yesterday’s programming extended to various points across the District. In the Historic Center, the Cathedral of Saint Catherine of Alexandria held solemn Masses at 10:00 a.m. and noon, followed by an evening Eucharist and procession through the colonial streets. Additionally, the traditional maritime procession set sail from the La Bodeguita Dock to the image of “Stella Maris” (Star of the Sea), located at the center of Cartagena’s inner bay — one of the most symbolic and eagerly anticipated events for coastal devotees.

The district administration reiterated its call to continue protecting and promoting religious expressions with respect, responsibility, and civic awareness. This celebration, which forms part of Cartagena’s soul, not only gathers believers but also strengthens social bonds, energizes the cultural life of neighborhoods, and promotes tourism with identity.

Thus, the July 16 celebration was not only an expression of Marian devotion but also a reflection of the deeper essence of Cartagena: spiritual, united, and proud of its traditions.

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