The crowd roars back: “Porque yo soy mariano!” (Because I am a mariano!)
A local community leader named (often credited as the chant’s catalyst) noticed the energy. He began to lead the call: “María… María… María…” and the crowd responded: “Contigo María!” He then added a new line: “Porque yo soy mariano!” – a declaration of being a follower of Mary. contigo maría
As one Venezuelan migrant in Miami put it, holding a candle at a “Contigo María” gathering in 2024: “When we chant this, we are not just talking to the Virgin. We are chanting to each other. We are saying: ‘You are not alone in this foreign land. Contigo… contigo… contigo.’” The crowd roars back: “Porque yo soy mariano