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In August the municipality of Ocaña in Norte de Santander celebrates its patron saint festivities in honor of Our Lady of Torcoroma (Fiesta de La Virgen de Torcoroma ), a Marian devotion typical of this municipality whose origin dates back to the first years of the 18th century.
According to the story, on August 16, 1711, an image of the Virgin Mary appeared to two residents of Ocaña who had a plot of land on Mount Torcoroma on the trunk of a tree that they were cutting down to make a canoe.
In 1716 the image was moved to the town's parish temple where it remains to this day. Thousands of pilgrims come there annually to request favors and worship the miraculous image.
The main event of the Ocaña festivities is the solemn Eucharist and the massive procession with the image, which takes place on the day of the festival. Serenades are also organized in honor of the Virgin Mary.
In addition to religious events, the festival includes cultural and recreational activities, such as musical performances, folk dances and gastronomic fairs, creating a festive and community atmosphere.
The Patronal Festival of the Virgin of Torcoroma (Fiesta de La Virgen de Torcoroma ) is an event that reinforces the sense of identity and faith of the inhabitants of Ocaña, becoming a deeply rooted tradition in the region.
