A young Cuban woman named Darianne Díaz has touched the hearts of many after sharing a video of herself ascending the steps of the National Shrine of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre in Santiago de Cuba on her knees. This act was to honor a promise made to Cuba's beloved patroness.
The video, shared on September 8, coincided with the Virgin's feast day, which this year marked the 110th anniversary of her declaration as Cuba's Patroness by Pope Benedict XV.
In the footage, Darianne is seen making her way up each stair on her knees, accompanied by other young women and clutching a bouquet of sunflowers. The background resonates with the hymn "Madre mía de la caridad."
Once at the altar, she pauses momentarily to pray before the sacred image. In the video's description, Darianne expressed the depth of her actions: "I climbed these steps on my knees, not to show my strength, but to fulfill a promise from my heart. Each step carried a prayer, a thank you, and all my faith. There are promises that are never forgotten, favors that are appreciated for a lifetime, and a faith that, when born from the soul, needs no explanation."
Her heartfelt message concluded with: "Promise fulfilled. Faith intact. Grateful heart."
The video garnered over 180,700 views, nearly 9,500 reactions, and 134 shares, receiving praise from both devotees and Cubans inside and beyond the island.
A Tradition of Devotion
Ascending the shrine's steps on one's knees is a well-known practice in Cuban popular religiosity to "repay a promise." Devotees ask the Virgin for a favor during times of need and fulfill their promise upon receiving it.
The sunflowers Darianne carried hold significant meaning; their yellow hue and the flowers themselves are linked to Oshún, the orisha of love and rivers in the Yoruba-Cuban pantheon. The Virgin of Charity is syncretized with Oshún in Afro-Cuban traditions.
Celebrations Across the Island
In El Cobre, the shrine remained open with continuous masses and a music concert to celebrate the feast. In Havana, processions took place in Vedado, featuring the Virgin's image adorned with yellow and white flowers.
This isn't the first time such a gesture has gone viral on social media. In September 2024, another Cuban woman climbed the shrine's steps on her knees, carrying a child, resulting in over 21,000 reactions in less than two days. This indicates a growing trend of Cubans sharing the fulfillment of their religious promises online.
The Virgin of Charity of El Cobre, Cuba's Patroness, is revered both on the island and among the diaspora. Her feast on September 8 remains one of the most significant religious dates in the Cuban calendar, a bond of faith that transcends borders and generations.
Understanding the Significance of the Virgin of Charity
What is the significance of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre in Cuban culture?
The Virgin of Charity of El Cobre is Cuba's Patroness, symbolizing hope and unity for Cubans. Her feast day on September 8 is one of the most important religious celebrations in Cuba, connecting people of different generations and across borders.
Why do devotees climb the shrine's steps on their knees?
Climbing the shrine's steps on one's knees is a traditional way to fulfill a promise made to the Virgin of Charity. Devotees do this as an act of gratitude after receiving a favor they had prayed for.