May Cross Vigils in El Tocuyo

The May Cross Vigils are one of the deepest traditions of El Tocuyo, with more than 150 documented years in the region.

Syncretic origin

They combine two roots:

1. Catholic commemoration of May 3, the date on which Saint Helena found the Cross of Christ (year 324).
2. Pre-Hispanic fertility cults: May marks the beginning of the rains and sowing in Lara.

The altar and the vigil

An altar is set up with the cross at the center, decorated with flowers, fruits, rosaries, colored ribbons and candles. The faithful keep vigil all night singing décimas (ten-verse stanzas) and galerones (long Lara melodies with improvised stanzas).

In El Calvario

In El Tocuyo, the celebration traditionally begins in the El Calvario sector and extends to neighborhoods and private homes throughout May.

Food and drink

Black coffee, hot chocolate, Tocuyo bread, acemitas, catalinas, corn carato. At large vigils, hervido or mute stew.

→ See the complete guide to the May Cross Vigils