Learn about the Spanish tradition of the offering of pastry chefs to the Virgin Mary

The Association of Artisan Confectioners and Pastry Chefs of Álava, make this Saturday their traditional offering to the White Virgin, patron saint of Vitoria (Spain), in which they deliver flowers to the Mother of God and present the typical sweets of these festivities.

After the Mass on the last day of the novena prior to the festivities of Santa María de las Nieves (also known as Virgen Blanca), the candy artisans will go to the church of San Miguel in the capital of Alava.

According to the diocese it’s a statementthe most recognized pastry shops in the city “want with this gesture to thank the patron for the maternal protection of the union’s workers and all workers in general.”

At the same time, the gesture aims to “pay tribute and have a memory for those pastry chefs who have passed away and pray for them.”

“This tradition is approximately 35 years old, although it may have been done before since it is said that almost a century ago pastry chefs also made offerings, but the documentation is confusing,” they explain to ACI Prensa from the Bishopric of Vitoria.

The remote origin of this tradition “dates back to June 17, 1613, when the chandlers’ guild founded the Brotherhood of the Virgen Blanca in Vitoria. These 16 men from the beginning of the 17th century made their candles with honey wax and honey was a fundamental ingredient in sweets,” they detail.

Thus, “honey and ‘sweetness’ were added to the devotion to the White Virgin. In addition to providing light, the chandlers surely used honey to make their desserts and hence that union,” they conclude.

Opportunity to deepen faith

In a recent holiday letter patron saints, the Bishop of Vitoria, Mons. Juan Carlos Elizalde, explained that this celebration constitutes an occasion “of meeting, celebration and deep devotion, where all Vitorians and those who visit us have the opportunity to honor our beloved patron saint, the Mother of Jesus , the White Virgin.”

At the same time, he highlighted that it is “an opportunity to deepen our faith and renew our commitment to the founding Christian values ​​of our city and immersed in our DNA. “The religious character of these days that invites us to prayer is indisputable.”

In contemplating the Virgin, the prelate trusts that “we will be able to discover a model of humility, love and generous service that will lead us to live our faith more fully. By knowing Mary, we will be able to live our daily lives and our relationships with others from affection, brotherhood, hope and trust.”

The letter also announces that, for the first time, the Apostolic Nuncio in Spain, Mons. Bernardito Auza will be present and will preside over the main Eucharists and religious events.