The Lord of Miracles back on the streets of Lima (Peru) with the faithful

19-10-24

Every year, thousands of faithful gather in Lima to participate in one of the most emblematic religious manifestations of Peru: the procession of the Lord of Miracles. In 2024, the tradition is kept alive, summoning devotees from all over the country and abroad, who accompany the Moreno Christ as he passes through the streets of the capital. This festivity not only reflects the deep faith of the Peruvian people, but also the cultural and social impact it has on the city.

The original image of Christ was painted by the hand of man and is recorded to have existed in 1651 in Pachacamilla according to Rubén Tuesta Vargas Ugarte. Subsequently, the images of God the Father, Mary and Mary Magdalene were added.3 It is attributed as Cristo Moreno because, among its believers, black-skinned people predominated, and in addition, the canvas that runs through the streets, a replica of the wall, the Christ for several decades had a dark complexion. 

Dates of the procession 2024

The Brotherhood of the Lord of Miracles has published the official calendar of the processions for this year. As usual, the activities begin in October, the purple month, when the traditional homage to the crucified Christ is celebrated. The main dates on which the image will walk the streets of Lima are as follows:

It is important to mention that each route has a specific route, designed to facilitate access for the faithful and guarantee safety during the procession.

The official route of the image

The route of the Señor de los Milagros is an essential part of the festivity, because through its passage through the streets of Lima, the devotees have the opportunity to express their faith and devotion. This year, the route follows the traditional lines, passing through emblematic places in the historic centre and various districts of the capital.

In the first departure, the image will depart from the Monastery of Las Nazarenas, located in the jirón Huancavelica, at 12:00 p.m. From there, it will advance towards Tacna Avenue, one of the main arteries in the centre of Lima, and will travel several blocks until it reaches the Plaza Mayor. This is one of the most symbolic moments, as it represents the link between the church and the local authorities, who participate in the ceremony with respect and solemnity.

During the following departures, the image will also pass by the Jiron de la Union, the Avenida Emancipación and the church of La Merced, places full of history and religious significance. In the last procession on November 1st, the Señor de los Milagros will return to the Monasterio de Las Nazarenas, where it will be kept until next year.

Security measures and access

Given the multitudinous nature of the event, the local authorities, in coordination with the Brotherhood of the Lord of Miracles, have arranged a rigorous security plan to guarantee the order and protection of the attendees. The deployment of agents of the National Police of Peru (PNP) will be visible along the entire route, as well as the use of security cameras to monitor the areas with the highest concentration of people.

In addition, emergency routes will be set up for medical emergencies, with ambulances and health personnel strategically distributed. The security measures also include the restriction of vehicles on several streets in the centre of Lima during the days of the procession, with the aim of facilitating the movement of the parishioners.

Attendees are advised to use public transport and plan their routes in advance. The authorities have indicated that the Metropolitano services and the bus system will be available with extended schedules to facilitate access to the areas near the procession.

The Lord of Miracles is not only a religious expression, but also a cultural phenomenon that involves the whole city. The streets are dressed in purple, a colour that symbolises mourning and devotion, while local businesses and shops join in the celebration by decorating their premises and offering themed products. In addition, gastronomy also plays a key role on these dates, with traditional dishes such as Doña Pepa nougat, which becomes the most consumed sweet of the purple month.

The procession of the Señor de los Milagros, besides being a religious tradition, strengthens the sense of community and roots among the people of Lima. It is an occasion for reunion, not only among family and friends, but also with the cultural and spiritual roots of the country.

The importance of faith in today's times

In a context where societies face constant challenges, the Lord of Miracles represents for many a source of hope and consolation. Thousands of people, regardless of their social status or background, unite in an act of faith that transcends the individual to become a collective symbol of resilience.

In 2024, the procession of the Lord of Miracles promises, once again, to be an event charged with religious fervour and a demonstration of the deep bond between faith and Peru's cultural identity. Through the streets of Lima, the Cristo Moreno will continue to touch the hearts of millions of devotees, renewing year after year a tradition that, far from disappearing, is more alive than ever.

History

It all began on 13 November 1655, when one of the most devastating earthquakes in Lima's history shook the city. The earthquake caused the collapse of numerous buildings: houses, mansions, temples and other important buildings collapsed. The number of victims and casualties was considerable for the time. However, an event occurred in Pachacamilla that surprised everyone. On an adobe wall, where the image of Christ, known as the Lord of Miracles, was painted, the mural remained completely intact. All the surrounding walls collapsed, but the one containing the image remained standing undamaged.

The aftershocks of the earthquake continued, but the image remained unchanged. The astonished population interpreted this as a miracle and faith in the Christ of Pachacamilla began to grow.

Over time, the image began to gather a considerable group of faithful. However, this fervour was not to the liking of some sectors of society, especially the parish priest José de Mena, who considered it inappropriate for slaves to congregate to venerate a painting. He therefore instigated the decision to erase the image.

According to chroniclers of the time, the first painter charged with removing the mural was paralysed when he stood in front of the image, claiming to have felt shivers. After a second attempt, fear overcame him and he refused to continue. A second man also experienced something similar. Finally, a soldier was sent to carry out the task. However, he declared that he could not erase the painting, because he observed how the image became more beautiful and its crown of thorns changed to a green colour. The idea of removing the image was finally abandoned.

In time, new earthquakes struck Lima, but again the image remained intact, which further increased the faith of the population. As the years went by, the Christ of Pachacamilla was given greater care and honours, consolidating itself as one of the greatest manifestations of faith in the city. Today, the devotion to the Lord of Miracles is one of the most solid pillars of religiousness in Peru.

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