On our first day in Margarita, after the marine museum, we drove to a large Catholic church in El Valle Del Espíritu Santo. This old church is considered the religious Mecca for Venezuelans, who claim it to be the first Marian sanctuary in America. It is most famously known for its "statue" of Mary. They dress her in homemade robes with pearls sewn into the fabric. We felt a little uncomfortable when we were there because of the group of people praying and singing to the statue. Just outside the door you could buy a replica of the statue.