Virgin of the Victory in Spain ― Date, History, and Details
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History of Virgin of the Victory in Spain and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
The Virgin of the Victory is a popular Marian devotion in Spain. It commemorates the victory of the Spanish navy over the French fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The victory was attributed to the intercession of the Virgin Mary, and the image of the Virgin of the Victory became a powerful symbol of Spanish nationalism.
Today, the Virgin of the Victory is venerated as the patroness of the Spanish navy and as the protector of Spain against its enemies. She is typically depicted holding a banner with the words “In hoc signo vinces” (“In this sign you will conquer”), a reference to the famous victory at Trafalgar.
The devotion to the Virgin of the Victory has been a part of Spanish naval tradition for centuries. Every year on October 21, the anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, a mass is celebrated in her honor aboard the flagship of the Spanish navy. Sailors wear their dress uniforms and carry banners of the Virgin as they procession through the ship.
The Virgin of the Victory is also honored with a feast day on May 1. On this day, Spanish naval ships are decorated with flags and bunting, and Mass is celebrated in her honor. The Virgin of the Victory is a powerful symbol of Spanish nationalism and pride, and her feast day is an important occasion for the Spanish people to remember and celebrate their country’s naval history and traditions.