Every year, thousands of people congregate in downtown Lima, the capital of Peru, to be part of the famous "Procession of the Lord of Miracles", one of the most important religious celebrations in the country.
During a procession that can last more than eight hours, the representation of the "Cristo Moreno" advances through the most important streets of the city center surrounded by the faithful who constantly show their devotion.
The religious image is taken out of the National Sanctuary and Monastery of Las Nazarenas on at least 4 different occasions during October and 2023 was the first year in which the procession was able to return to normal after three years of the Covid-19 pandemic.
With decorations and allegorical figures of the Lord of Miracles, many people showed their devotion to the "Cristo Moreno".
The purple dress, color associated with this celebration, was present throughout all the processions.
For some participants, the emotion is such that they could not hold back the tears.
The "cargadores del Señor de los Milagros" are the members of the Brotherhood of the Lord of the Miracles. Dressed entirely in purple suits, they are responsible for organizing the processions and carrying the religious figure.
In the processions, the role played by the "sahumadoras" is fundamental. Also dressed entirely in purple, but wearing a distinctive white veil on their heads, the sahumadoras stand at the front of the Lord's platform, carrying incense or myrrh in braziers or censers that they lighted and whose smoke spreads throughout the place.
The devotion is such that some people choose to climb fences and railings to get a better view of the "Cristo Moreno".
The procession routes usually extend into the evening hours. Some culminate in the early hours of Lima.
Despite the long walks, the faithful continue to congregate in the streets regardless of the time of day.
At the end of the processions, a group of people dismantle the awnings, platforms and clean the areas through which the devotees of the Peruvian Christ passed.
