From the Revolution in 1959 until a few years ago, The State was the sanctioned religion of the people. However, religion was practiced underground during this entire time. A few years ago, Fidel Castro finally allowed people of all faiths to practice their religion in the open. For Catholics, the Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre is honored in the small town of Cobre on the southern end of the island. Her shrine is considered to be the most important religious location in Cuba.