"La Fiesta de la Mama Negra" is a well-known traditional festival in Latacunga. It takes place twice a year, and originates from a mixture of indigenous, Spanish and African influences. The first one was organized in September by the people from the markets "La Merced y Del Salto" in honor of the Virgin of Mercy, "Virgen de la Merced". The Virgin is venerated because she allegedly stopped the Cotopaxi Volcano eruption in 1742. Inhabitants of Latacunga call her "Abogada y patrona del volcan", meaning "advocate and patron of the volcano".