As many of you may have noticed, on Thursday, September 8, we didn’t attend school.

The reason as to why went to the extent of “there is an event at the Ermita”, but what exactly was this event?

Well, it is called La Fiesta De Nuestra Senora De La Caridad. September 8th is the feast day of La Caridad del Cobre or Our Lady of Charity. The story of Our Lady of Charity begins in 1612 when an African slave and two indigenous Cubans rowed a boat to gather salt in the Bay of Nipe. Today, these men are known as the three Juans. The boys then saw something hovering on the water. At first glance it looked like a bird but they soon realized it was an image of Our Lady Of Charity on a piece of wood. Written on the wood, it read, “ I am the Virgin of Charity.”

They brought the image back to their small town, and it was eventually installed in a chapel in a village called “El Cobre” because of its proximity to the copper mines. A special devotion developed there toward Our Lady of Charity “del Cobre” and soon spread to the rest of the island. (primematters.com).

The celebration that takes place at the Ermita is a source of inspiration for Cubans. Most of the participants are Cuban migrants or those of Cuban descent. The event includes a large celebration Mass followed by a feast. Those who attend may purchase sunflowers, as they are the flower that represents Our Lady of Charity. Once the Mass has ended, a selection of food is available. This event is very dear to the hearts of Cubans as it represents their voyage of adversity to reach freedom.