Gruta de la Virgen del Rocio

1893 was a year of public disaster for the region of the south of Ecuador, especially in what is now Canton Bible this was due to repeated and devastating frost that destroyed all the crops. The native inhabitants of this area, known for its Catholicism and religious faith, they found no other recourse but to raise the eyes to heaven to implore God’s mercy to such painful circumstances.
The parish center was in charge of P. Priest Daniel Muñoz Serrano, who kept a small statue of Mary. Thus, on January 20, 1894 the people of the Bible in earnest procession through rugged trails that picture taken and placed in a small cave in the rock of Mount Zhalao. After some time, that site was built a temple in honor of the Virgin. In the beginning was built of wood with the name of the Shrine of the Virgen del Rocío. He was later restructured and raised in magnificent work, using carved stone, and what’s most impressive is that most of the temple is made (as cut) in the rock of the hill.
As a tradition over 100 years, holds a religious festival every September 8 to that attend thousands of devotees from all over the country and abroad. Other celebrations, November 1, 20 January, the first Saturday in May and the day of the Most Pure Heart of Mary.
On 20 January 1994 marked the first 100 years of the Enthronement of the Virgin del Rocio, the act was performed with an impressive religious ceremony, presided by the Apostolic Nuncio Monsignor Federico Canalini, Bishop and the Diocese azogueño Azogues and Cuenca. Outstanding acts of the ceremony are: the coronation of the venerable image, and dedication to the Virgin of the Rosary by a delegate of the Holy Father.