In the state of Nueva Esparta, a special comprehensive security operation was activated, with the aim of guaranteeing the peace, tranquility and well-being of thousands of devotees who pay tribute to the Patron Saint of eastern Venezuela.
The operation involves 2.980 personnel from the Citizen Security Agencies and the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB), deployed to attend to an estimated influx of 50 worshippers, reported Major General Endes Palencia Ortiz, Vice Minister of Prevention and Citizen Security.
The military and police contingent is strategically located in the areas with the highest concentration of people, with special attention to the surroundings of the Minor Basilica of El Valle del Espíritu Santo, as well as tourist areas and docks of the island entity.
"We are attending to all those parishioners and people who come from different areas of the national territory as well as from the local area. We know that we are celebrating the 115th anniversary of the canonical coronation, but more than that, the 485th anniversary of the apparition of our Virgin of the Valley."
For their part, the ecclesiastical representatives joined the call for harmony. Father Andrés Villarroel, parish priest of the Basilica of El Valle, urged those present to experience these days in an atmosphere of brotherhood, gratitude, and religious fervor, while also highlighting the logistical work done to welcome the pilgrims.
"We are very committed to the presence of all the parishioners who will be here. We are organizing everything so that people feel at home; it is a place where they should receive shelter, hope, God's blessing, and the closeness of the Virgin Mary."
Both civil and military authorities, as well as Church spokespeople, made a joint appeal to the public to maintain civic behavior and respect established safety regulations, thus ensuring the harmonious and peaceful development of these traditional Marian festivities.
