Annually on October 21st, Portobello holds a festival to celebrate the city's patron saint, Christo Negro (Black Christ). Those whose prayers have been answered by Christo Negro make a pilgrimage to Portobelo on a walk that can be up to 40 kilometers. Nearly all wear purple robes, some carry effigies of Christo Negro, and a few even complete the final leg of the journey on their hands and knees. For extra penance, pilgrims may ask a companion to pour burning hot purple wax on their naked backs as they crawl to the church. Here are some photos of the pilgrimage and Portobelo. Unfortunately the trip was cut a bit short due to a very unusual hostel experience.
Apparently, this effigie did not want to leave Portobelo on a ship back in the 17th century. Every time a ship tried to take him away, a storm began. According to myth, he was possibly thrown overboard in the Caribbean by some very scared crew. Once overboard, he floated back to Portobelo.
Welcome, Pilgrims
Extra penance.
Just because it's a pilgrimage does not mean it is without beer.
The amazing diablo rojos along the way.
From left, Ashley, Austin, and Carolyn.
Though the boy was not happy about it, the mother excitedly forced her son to pose for a photograph. After all, she did shave Black Christ's face into his head.
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