Objective:

This article intends to characterize the genesis and the trajectory experienced by the celebration of the Candelaria festival in the town of Medellín by reviewing and collating handwritten and bibliographic sources. The genesis of the devotion and celebration of the Candelaria Virgin dates back to the 17th century. This text analyzes how this celebration was the cohesive axis of the neighborhood, its rituals and beliefs, since, in Medellín, the festival was related to settlement at the Aburrá valley and local political life. In the aftermath of the 1741 crisis -caused by the refusal of bodies and privileges to celebrate it, economic difficulties, the locust plague and food shortages- social cohesion, cooperation, and interdependent relationships between lobbyists, clergy, artisans and outsiders were essential to overcome any hindrance and to keep on with the festivity.

Methodology:

Based on cynegetics, the methodological operation matched up seemingly disconnected signs and traces, looking to understand the social cohesion articulating devotion and celebration in the local neighborhood.

Originality:

This is a novel article in that the review of handwritten sources, findings and explanations enriching the research on Candelaria Virgin's festival.

Conclusions:

Candelaria Virgin's devotion and festival were the cultural matrix that helped to establish the foundations of the settlement in the Aburrá valley and Medellín's urban area. Indeed, by balancing cooperation and competition, the festival participants managed to overcome the difficulties that were presented to them and kept the celebration going until the early 19th century.