Guanacaste, Costa Rica: The majestic beauty of Coco Bay was the backdrop to one of the most important celebrations for the Guanacaste can fishermen: the Day of the Virgin of the Sea. Dozens of vessels set sail in unison with the aim of paying tribute to the patron saint of fishermen, merchant and traders who is none other than the Virgin of Carmen, who the fishermen affectionately cal¡ "The Virgin of the Sea".
After celebrating mass in a small village church, residents and curious on-lookers began a walk down to the sea-shore carrying the figure of the Virgin Meanwhile the lively sound of trumpets merged with the laughter of children chasing alter the church-goers, and the occasional tourist who had snuck into the party.
In little boats and small fancily decorated yachts, those who make a living from the fruits of the sea awaited the arrival of the priest responsible for choosing the boat in which the Virgin would travel to and from the island. "She'd look better in this one!" yelled one fisherman, noticing that the organizers had begun to eye up the boats.
Once the lucky boat had been chosen that would carry the little Virgin, the sound of trumpets etched a smile on the faces of the participants, indicating it was time to start their motors to begin -the crossing. Few people were left on the beach since most did everything they could to get on a boat and not miss out on the trip. At last the priest began the prayers and the boats their journey.
It is a round trip of almost one hour, a mix of tradition, faith and on this occasion a little fun-poking from one non-believer who seized the opportunity to take a tour along the coast. The sea was filled with an enormous water-born procession that disappeared into the distance in a matter of minutes.
Back at shore the residents rushed to welcome the Virgin and some grabbed the chance to have a beautiful photo taken of them posing next to the figure. “I’ve participated in the Day of the Virgin for over 20 years and 1 wouldn't miss it for the world. It's the day I ask her to bless my husband, who's a fisherman, and my family. I pray that the fishing will be good and ask her to keep him and all the other workers from being harmed."
Angela Jacamo proudly commented, a village resident. Pleased at the enthusiasm of the believers, Pedro Jimenez, seminarist at the church, gave thanks to God for concluding such a successful activity. "Ready!" said Pedro and lifting up his robes so that they wouldn't get covered with the salty water; he gave instructions for the figure of the Virgin to be returned to her home in the temple.
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