Virgin of Charity: Maritime Procession to Contoy Island

The municipal president, Atenea Gómez Ricalde, joined fishermen and local families in a traditional maritime procession to Contoy Island. This event was held in honor of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre, with over 1,500 people participating. The procession to Contoy Island culminated in a traditional mass, led by parish priest, Raúl Sánchez Alonso.

This event is a cherished tradition in the Magic Town of Isla Mujeres, with over 104 boats taking part in the procession. The journey began early in the day, with a pilgrimage from the Church of the Immaculate Conception to the wooden fiscal pier. From there, participants boarded boats and set sail for Contoy Island.

The procession started at eight in the morning and concluded with the peaceful arrival of over 100 boats at Contoy Island. The boats docked at the Fishermen's Camp, home to a chapel dedicated to the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre, the patron saint of fishermen.

Atenea Gómez emphasized the importance of faith-based traditions in uniting the island community. "I am delighted to share this special day with my fisherman friends and the community of Isla Mujeres," she said. This annual procession, which began 25 years ago, honors the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre. The statue of the Virgin is taken to Contoy Island and stays there until the lobster catching season, at which point it is returned to Isla Mujeres.