Event: Guatemala - Esquipulas

The Pilgrimage of the Black Christ of Esquipulas

When:	15 Jan 2009 (annual)
Where:	Esquipulas

A monumental queue of thousands of people nudges its way around Esquipulas Cathedral and into the entrance at the annual pilgrimage of the Black Christ of Esquipulas. Guatemalans, largely indigenous Indians, eagerly await their moment with the Black Christ.

The Pilgrimage of the Black Christ of Esquipulas is comparable only to that of Our Lady Of Guadeloupe in the Basilica in Mexico City. An array of religious reasons are offered for the colour of the statue, but the majority of the followers agree it is down to the balsam wood.

The effigy became popular in the mid-18th century after a visit from the Archbishop of Guatemala. He is believed to have been miraculously cured of a disease on his way home and the masses have been flocking to Esquipulas in the hope of witnessing a tear or gesture from the Black Christ ever since. The multitude of visitors was so great shortly after the Archbishop's revelation that another, bigger church had to be built to deal with the increasing fanbase.

Today the event sees ever greater numbers each year. Christian or not, this is a fascinating experience to take in.