In Arequipa, Peru, May 1st
History of Rosangela - Minas Gerais, Brasil
In Arequipa, Peru, May 1st is a festive occasion in honor of Our Lady of Chapi . The story dates back to 1798, when the image of the Virgin of Candlemas, patron saint of Arequipa at the time, was taken to the Chapi Valley. During an attempt to transfer the image to another city, it suddenly became so heavy that it could not be moved, coinciding with ashfall from a nearby volcano. A mysterious voice was heard, saying "Chaypi, Chaypi!" or "Here, here!", indicating that the place was special. Since then, the image has remained in the valley, known as Virgen de Chapi. The region celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Candlemas of Chapi on February 2nd, September 8th and, especially, on May 1st, marking the beginning of the Marian month.
