Faithful gather in Cabimas, a city in the oil-rich state of Zulia, to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the birth of Saint Benedict of Palermo, the first Black saint canonized by the Catholic Church. The patron saint festivities of San Benito de Palermo, celebrated from December 25 to January 6 in Venezuela, include a vibrant tradition of parading the saint's image through the streets. Devotees touch, embrace, and sprinkle alcohol on the statue as expressions of gratitude, solidarity, and reverence. The patron saint festivities of San Benito de Palermo are held from December 25 to January 6 and in Venezuela consist of walking the image of the saint through the streets of the region for believers to touch, hug and throw alcohol as a sign of accompaniment, gratitude and respect. IMAGES