Our Lady of Coromoto Day is observed in Venezuela every September 11. This day celebrates Our Lady of Coromoto, the patroness of Venezuela, whose image is based on an alleged apparition of the Virgin Mary. The history of this celebration dates back to 1591, when Spanish colonizers founded Guanare and began evangelizing the local Indian tribe, which initially resisted. According to legend, the Virgin Mary appeared to Coromoto, the tribe's chief, first in 1651 and again on September 8, 1652, leaving behind a small painting after he attempted to grasp her. Following this, Coromoto was baptized and encouraged his tribe to do the same. A church was later built at the site of the second apparition, where the image of Our Lady of Coromoto is kept. Although it is not a public holiday, banks are typically closed on this day.