Saint Lazarus is the patron saint of the poor, of the ill, and of stray dogs. December 17th is the day of Saint Lazarus, the greatest religious holiday in Cuba. Tens of thousands make the pilgrimage to El Rincón, a village near Havana, where the sanctuary is located. The celebration has special atmosphere: it is the embodiment of love for life as the merrymaking combines with the heroic sacrifices of those swearing oaths.