Song for Venezuela: Who was Maria Lionza?

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Venezuela is going through a lot of social, political, and economical pain these days, and I want to highlight them with the song Maria Lionza. But do you know who Maria Lionza is?

I learned of Maria Lionza through Ruben Blades’ song (see video below), probably as many of you non-Venezuelans. So, from Ruben’s song we know she is a goddess that lives in the mountains of Sorte, in the state of Yaracuy. She’s a Queen! But what’s the whole story?

I’ll give you a short summary, not the whole story, as that will be more complicated. Maria Lionza is the central figure of a religion of the same name, a blend of African, indigenous, and Catholic beliefs. The religion is similar to Santeria in many aspects.

This is the most popular portrait of Venezuelan goddess Maria Lionza, born as Yara.
This is the most popular portrait of Venezuelan goddess Maria Lionza, born as Yara.

Said to be born in 1535 (and to still live, at least in spirit), Maria Lionza was the daughter of indian chief Yaracuy, of the Navir tribe. Her original name was Yara, but one we know her by comes from Santa Maria de la Onza, given by the Catholic Church to Christianize the religion, and eventually shortened to Maria Lionza.

There is a statue of Maria Lionza in Caracas, that portrays her as a strong woman, riding a large tapir, and holding a female pelvis as a sign of fertility.

Venezuelans are pleading to Maria Lionza to relieve them of the suffering caused by the current government of President Maduro. Ruben Blades, the author of the Salsa song Maria Lionza, is also pleading for the people of Venezuela.
Venezuelans are pleading to Maria Lionza to relieve them of the suffering caused by the current government of President Maduro. Ruben Blades, the author of the Salsa song Maria Lionza, is also pleading for the people of Venezuela.

Legend has it that Yara was supposed to be sacrificed as she was born with green eyes. But her father was unable to give her up, and hid her in the mountains, where she grew up. She eventually escaped her guardians and was swollen by a great Anaconda in the lake that had fallen in love with her. With her inside, the Anaconda swell, forcing the water out of the lagoon, flooding the village, and drowning the tribe. Finally the Anaconda burst, setting Maria Lionza free. She became the owner of the lagoon, the rivers and the waters, the protector of the fish, and later of all the plants and animals.

Pilgrimages to the “Altar Mayor” in Sorte are done to honor her.

Video of Maria Lionza with Ruben Blades and La Dimension Latina

Here is Ruben Blades song, this time with the backing of the legendary Venezuelan band La Dimension Latina:

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  1. […] placed its origins in the Arawak or Taíno (an Arawak subgroup) native Indians that resided in Venezuela and the Caribbean. But there are others that place its origin in Africa and came over with the […]

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