In 1612, three men—two indigenous brothers named Rodrigo and Juan de Hoyos, and an enslaved African named Juan Moreno—set out in a small boat to gather salt in the Bay of Nipe. A fierce storm arose, threatening to capsize their vessel. Through the wind and waves, they spotted a floating board bearing a statue of the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child. The inscription read: "Yo Soy la Virgen de la Caridad"—I am the Virgin of Charity. Miraculously, though the statue had been in the water, both it and the board were completely dry.
That rescue at sea began Cuba's most enduring devotion. The statue of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre (Nuestra Señora de la Caridad del Cobre) became Cuba's patroness, a symbol that transcended politics and united Cubans across centuries of struggle. When Pope Benedict XVI visited Cuba in 2012, he came to El Cobre to crown the image with a special diadem blessed by Pope John Paul II—a gesture recognizing that this dark-skinned Virgin had kept faith alive through revolution, exile, and hardship.
For Cubans everywhere—on the island and in diaspora—El Cobre represents the unbreakable bond between Mary and her beloved Cuban children.
📜 History & Spiritual Significance
The three men who found the statue brought it to the manager of the copper mines at El Cobre, who built a chapel to house it. The Virgin's title, "of Charity," may derive from the charity shown to workers at the mines, many of whom were enslaved Africans and indigenous peoples working in harsh conditions.
Miracles attributed to the Virgin multiplied rapidly. Miners, sailors, and slaves sought her protection. During the wars of independence, both Spanish loyalists and Cuban revolutionaries claimed her intercession. José Martí, the poet-hero of Cuban independence, dedicated verses to her. In the 20th century, Ernest Hemingway honored her in The Old Man and the Sea, when Santiago prays to the Virgin of Cobre.
The shrine's history paralleled Cuba's struggles. The image survived pirate raids, wars, and natural disasters. During the colonial period, freed slaves settled around the sanctuary, creating a community known for its devotion. The church was rebuilt multiple times, most recently in 1926-1927.
Pope Pius XI declared Our Lady of Charity the patroness of Cuba in 1916. The image was canonically crowned in 1936. Devotion continued even after the 1959 revolution, though expression became more private. Pope John Paul II's 1998 visit renewed public devotion, and Pope Benedict XVI's 2012 coronation of the image marked a new chapter.
☩ Pilgrimage Sites in El Cobre
Basilica Sanctuary of Our Lady of Charity
National shrine of Cuba's patroness
The 1920s Baroque-style basilica rises on a hill overlooking the former copper mining region. The miraculous statue stands in a special chapel behind the main altar, accessible via a separate stairway. The image, carved from wood and measuring about 40 centimeters, shows Mary holding the infant Jesus while standing on a crescent moon.
Chapel of Miracles
A separate chapel houses thousands of ex-votos—offerings left by pilgrims grateful for answered prayers. Nobel Prize winner Ernest Hemingway's medal is among the offerings displayed.
Copper Mining Heritage Sites
The original copper mines that gave the town its name are now historical sites, providing context for the Virgin's title and early devotion.
Way of the Cross
Stations of the Cross lead up the hill to the basilica, allowing pilgrims to pray while ascending to the shrine.
🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations
Feast of Our Lady of Charity — September 8
The principal celebration of Cuba's patroness draws pilgrims from across the island and, when possible, from the Cuban diaspora.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception — December 8
Important Marian celebration.
Pilgrimage Season — Year-round
The shrine welcomes pilgrims throughout the year, with peak periods during major feast days.
🛏️ Where to Stay
Hotels in Santiago de Cuba (20 km) — Cuba's second city offers various accommodation options.
Casa particulares — Licensed private homes in Santiago and smaller towns near El Cobre.
Hotel Casa Granda ⭐⭐⭐ — Historic hotel in central Santiago. Contact directly
🚗 Getting There
By Air: Antonio Maceo Airport in Santiago de Cuba (SCU) is 25 km from El Cobre.
By Bus: Tour buses and local transport serve El Cobre from Santiago de Cuba (approximately 20 km). Viazul operates routes to Santiago from major Cuban cities.
By Car: From Santiago, take the Carretera del Caney northwest (approximately 30 minutes). Note: travel to Cuba requires compliance with respective national regulations.
📚 Further Reading
Olga Portuondo Zúñiga. La Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre: símbolo de cubanía — Historical study of the devotion.
🔗 Useful Links
Cuban Catholic Church — Official church information.
Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba — Regional church resources.
🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations
Esquipulas, Guatemala (1,200 km southwest) — Central America's major pilgrimage destination.
Santiago de Cuba Cathedral (20 km) — Historic cathedral of Cuba's second city.
🪶 Closing Reflection
"The Mother of God has never ceased to obtain spiritual benefits in those who, with faith and devotion, come here to pray." — Pope Francis, Visit to Loreto, March 25, 2019