Columbus's vow facts for kids
Columbus's vow (called El Voto colombino in Spanish) was a special promise made by Christopher Columbus and his crew. This happened on February 14, 1493. They were on the ship Niña, returning from Columbus's first trip to the Americas. They made the vow during a terrible storm at sea. They promised to go on pilgrimages and do other religious acts if they survived and returned to Spain.
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A Dangerous Journey Home
On Columbus's first trip, his main ship, the Santa María, was wrecked. This happened on December 25, 1492, in Hispaniola. So, only the Niña and Pinta were left to sail back to Spain. Columbus took charge of the Niña.
On February 14, 1493, a huge storm hit them. They were in the Atlantic Ocean, east of the Azores islands. The storm was so strong it threatened to sink both ships. The Niña and Pinta lost sight of each other. The crew of the Niña feared they would all be lost.
At this scary moment, Columbus suggested they make some special promises. He wanted them to show their faith and ask for help.
The Promises Made at Sea
Columbus decided they should draw lots to see who would go on a pilgrimage. A pilgrimage is a special journey to a holy place.
Columbus ordered them to draw lots. One person would go on a pilgrimage to St. Mary of Guadalupe. They would carry a five-pound wax taper. Everyone swore that whoever drew the marked lot would do it. They put peas in a cap, one marked with a cross. Columbus was the first to draw, and he picked the crossed pea. So, he was bound to make this pilgrimage.
Another lot was drawn for a pilgrimage to St. Mary of Loretto. This holy house in Italy was known for miracles. A sailor named Pedro de Villa drew this lot. Columbus promised to pay for his trip.
A third lot was drawn for someone to spend a whole night watching in St. Clara de Moguer. They would also have a mass said there. Again, the lot fell to Columbus.
After these promises, Columbus and all the crew made another vow. They promised to walk in a procession, wearing special clothes. They would go to the first church dedicated to Our Lady they found when they reached land. They would pray there.
Besides these group promises, each person made their own private vow. The hurricane was so fierce that everyone expected to be lost.
Keeping Their Promises
On March 15, 1493, the Niña finally arrived in Spain. They landed near the Río Tinto in the province of Huelva. They had stopped in the Azores and Lisbon on the way.
Columbus, the Niño brothers, and the rest of the crew from Moguer went straight to Moguer. They brought with them some native people from the Caribbean. They also brought several parrots. The people of Moguer were very happy to see them.
Columbus and his crew quickly went to the Santa Clara Monastery. There, they lit a taper and spent the night in vigil. This was how they kept one of their vows.
Years later, in 1513, a friend of Columbus named Juan Rodríguez Cabezudo spoke about this event. He said that Columbus showed golden masks and some native people he brought from the Indies. He even cut off a little gold with a knife and gave it to one of the native people.
Another witness, Martín González, also spoke. He said that Columbus and everyone with him publicly announced their discovery. They had found the Indies and many islands.
Remembering the Vow Today
This important event is remembered every year on March 16. A special ceremony takes place at the Santa Clara Monastery in Moguer. Many people attend, including local leaders and the public.
The event includes a mass. During the mass, a taper is burned as a way to give thanks. Later, a crown of laurel is placed on the Columbus Monument. This honors Columbus and the sailors from Moguer who helped discover America. After this, there is usually a talk or a cultural event.
See also
In Spanish: Voto colombino para niños
