Today, I was able to witness the Santa Marta de Pateros Enthronement at the San Roque Parish.
Santa Marta de Pateros is popular among many Santo enthusiasts. The small image of the Santa standing on a crocodile, less than 2 ft. tall, was believed to be the savior of the locals from the vicious reptile attack. There were many stories how the image got the local interpretation, though the depiction of many images of St. Martha is with a tarasque (legendary dragon from Provence).
The enthronement started with the dancing of the image (Caracol) going to the church. Upon arrival, the image is placed on a pedestal at the side altar to be blessed by the parish priest. The enthronement marks the start of novena to Santa Marta. The fiesta will culminate yearly on July 29.
Santa Marta de Pateros is popular among many Santo enthusiasts. The small image of the Santa standing on a crocodile, less than 2 ft. tall, was believed to be the savior of the locals from the vicious reptile attack. There were many stories how the image got the local interpretation, though the depiction of many images of St. Martha is with a tarasque (legendary dragon from Provence).
The enthronement started with the dancing of the image (Caracol) going to the church. Upon arrival, the image is placed on a pedestal at the side altar to be blessed by the parish priest. The enthronement marks the start of novena to Santa Marta. The fiesta will culminate yearly on July 29.