# Virgen del Valle festivities in Nueva Esparta

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/virgen-del-valle-festivities-in-nueva-esparta
> Updated: 2026-08-16T03:50:22.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Authorities in Nueva Esparta are coordinating the 2026 festivities for the Virgen del Valle, the patron saint of the Venezuelan Navy. Due to recent tragedies, including earthquakes in Venezuela that caused over 6,200 deaths and a period of mourning in Colombia, Bishop Fernando Castro Aguayo and Governor Marisel Velásquez have called for the celebrations to be held with a tone of “sobriety and moderation.”

The religious program is scheduled to include the descent of the Virgin on September 1, with central celebrations, masses, and processions taking place on September 8. Security forces are preparing to manage the safety of pilgrims during these events.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-16: Nueva Esparta officials coordinate religious festivals and tourism measures

Nueva Esparta authorities are planning the Virgin of the Valley festivities with a call for sobriety, while business leaders urge visa reforms to capitalize on new Copa Airlines direct flights to Margarita.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nueva-esparta-officials-coordinate-religious-festivals-and-tourism-measures

### 2026-08-14: Virgen del Valle festivities to be held with sobriety in Margarita

The 2026 festivities for the Virgen del Valle on Margarita Island will be marked by sobriety due to recent regional tragedies and national mourning in Venezuela and Colombia.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/virgen-del-valle-festivities-to-be-held-with-sobriety-in-margarita

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Cite as: Virgen del Valle festivities in Nueva Esparta. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/virgen-del-valle-festivities-in-nueva-esparta