Maria Lionza
Legends and Rituals
who is Maria Lionza? and what are their rituals?
During the Good Week and Columbus Day (October 12) there are countless pilgrimages to Sorte Mountain, located near Chivacoa, in Yaracuy. The devotees come to this place to make all kinds of requests to María Lionza, ranging from curing diseases, solving heartbreak to gaining wealth or power, that's all worldly problems. The altar is decorated with pictures, figurines and glasses with rum or cognac, cigars, cross cigarettes, flowers and fruits are offered. The altar should be chaired by Queen María Lionza, who in the world of spiritism is the “prince of forty legions, each composed of ten thousand spirits". Next to the Queen, they place Guaicaipuro, the chief who fought bravely against the Spanish conquerors in the Caracas Valley and who presides over the indigenous court; and on the other hand, they place Negro Primero, the only black man with the rank of officer in the army of Bolívar, who presides over the Black Court .
