The Virgin of Guadalupe and Columbus Day
One of the most recognisable symbols of the Extremaduran faith is the Virgin of Guadalupe, Patron Saint of Extremadura, whose image is kept in the Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe, located in the province of Cáceres. The Monastery of Guadalupe, built in the 14th century and declared a World Heritage Site, has Mudejar, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements and, within its grounds, it conserves works of great value, historic embroidery, goldsmith and miniature workshops, a library with an extensive collection of documents, and functions as a pilgrimage centre and guest house.
The Virgin of Guadalupe is not only the Patron Saint of Extremadura, but has also held the title of Queen of Hispanity since 12 October 1928. This is due to the crucial role played by the Monastery of Guadalupe in Cáceres, the place where Columbus' expedition was conceived, in the link with America. The Catholic Monarchs met with Christopher Columbus in the monastery to give the first instructions and discuss the funds needed for the voyage. After his first expedition, the sailor would return to this monastery in Cáceres to thank the patron saint for her intercession.
On arriving in America, Columbus christened one of the islands he came across with the name of Santa María de Guadalupe de Extremadura (today a French overseas department located in the Antilles). From the 16th century, devotion to the Virgin of Guadalupe spread throughout Latin America; it is said that in 1531 she appeared to a native in Mexico, and the cult gradually spread throughout the country, as well as in the Philippines.
Although the Mexican Virgin of Guadalupe is known worldwide and shares the same name, the images are not the same. While in Spain, the Virgin of Guadalupe is a dark virgin, in a seated posture accompanied by the Child, in Mexico she is represented as a mestizo figure, dressed in a pink tunic and a blue mantle, which bears similarities to the representations of the Immaculate Conception.
The importance of Royal Monastery of Santa María of Guadalupe is such that, every year, thousands of pilgrims congregate on two important dates to show their fervour: 8 September, the Day of Extremadura, and 12 October, Columbus Day and Spain's bank holidays.
Beyond the relevance of its monastery and to whom this charming little town owes its name, the village of Guadalupe is considered one of the most beautiful in Spain and has won some competitions such as the one of "Shine your village".. The 2017 edition of the Ferrero Rocher competition, in which an impressive Christmas lighting installation was awarded as a prize. It is also an ideal enclave for nature trails in the Sierra de Guadalupe and the Villuercas, outstanding natural areas with Special Protection Areas for Birds and a great biodiversity.
Would you like to take part in these pilgrimages, visit the Monastery and discover all the secrets of one of the most beautiful villages in Spain? We take care of organising your entire trip, from accommodation to guided tours, so that you can make the most of your experience without having to worry about any of these formalities.
Contact us here to find out all the details.
