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In mid-July the municipality of Fortul in Arauca celebrates its patron saint festivities in honor of the Virgen del Carmen (Fiestas Patronales de la Virgen Del Carmen).
"Fortuleños" prepare to experience this celebration nine days before, with the traditional novena to this devotion to the Virgin Mary, a novena that concludes on the 15th.
That day, the eve of the festival, a procession takes place with the image of the Virgin of Carmen to the parish temple, while the rosary is prayed. The day ends with a fireworks show and live music, preparing the atmosphere for the big party the next day.
On July 16, the festivities begin with the dawn and ringing of bells in the early morning.
As is tradition in Colombia, as the Virgin of Carmen is the patron saint of drivers, one of the main events of the day is the procession of vehicles decorated with blue and white balloons, ribbons and images of the Virgin Mary, which ends at the Parish of Our Lady Señora del Carmen where the priest gives the blessing to the vehicles and the Eucharist is celebrated.
The Festival of the Virgin of Carmen (Fiestas Patronales de la Virgen Del Carmen) in Fortul is an occasion that unites the inhabitants of the municipality in a celebration of faith, culture and tradition. It is a time to strengthen community ties, preserve customs and enjoy the joy and festive spirit that characterizes this important holiday.
