Sharon Steinmann - Photojournalist

Venezuela: Maria Lionza Pilgrimage

Thousands of pilgrims participated in the annual celebration of Venezuela’s María Lionza religious cult at Sorte Mountain in the state of Yaracuy on October 11 and 12, 2011. Centered around María Lionza, an indigenous goddess with supernatural powers who is depicted riding a tapir, the religion is a blend of African, indigenous, and Catholic beliefs similar to the Caribbean Santería. She is revered as a goddess of nature, love, peace, and harmony. 

During the week-long celebration, devotees are organized into numerous "courts" such as the Indian court led by María Lionza, the Political Court which includes Simón Bolívar, the Court of Melandros made up of criminals and the Viking Court which includes Erik the Red. Followers perform possession rituals and claim to channel deities and spirits, run through fire and perform cleansing rituals by smoking cigars and bathing in a nearby river. 

  • A pilgrim writhes on the ground while in a trance during a ceremony at the annual celebration of Venezuela’s María Lionza religious cult at Sorte Mountain in the state of Yaracuy, Venezuela.
  • Fire is an integral part of the pilgrimage. Candles surround followers during rituals and light up altars. Spectators come from all over the world to see partcipants run through large bonfires.
  • A child lights candles at an altar to Niño de Atocha, the patron saint of those unjustly imprisoned, a protector of travelers, and rescuer of those in peril during the annual celebration of Venezuela’s María Lionza religious cult at Sorte Mountain in the state of Yaracuy, Venezuela.
  • A follower is put into a trance during a ceremony at the annual celebration of Venezuela’s María Lionza religious cult.
  • A follower is put into a trance during a ceremony at the annual celebration of Venezuela’s María Lionza religious cult.
  • A group that follows Viking Erik the Red surrounds a member who claimed to be channeling his spirit. During the session, he spoke Spanish with a strange accent and pierced his face with metal rods.
  • Maria Lionza pilgrims smoke cigars as part of a cleansing ritual in preparation for running through fire.
  • A pilgrim speaks to spectators after running through fire.
  • Pilgrims dressed as Native Americans watch other Maria Lionza followers run through fire.
  • A pilgrim runs through a large bonfore during the annual Maria Lionza pilgrimage.
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