Panama’s El Cristo Negro Celebrations Gets Underway

October 16th, 2008 |By Marvia Lawes in: Panama Religion |

It’s that time again, for the celebration of el Christo Negro in Portobello, Panama. The festival of the Black Christ as we English speakers call it (following American usage), is set to begin this weekend with the annual pilgrimage to Portobello.

The actual festival of the Black Christ will be on Tuesday October 21, but the actual trek starts 4 days before the event. For the third year in a row, I’m going to miss the mass. I’m now convinced that I’m going to leave Panama and never witness it.

We almost killed one of el Nazareno’s devotees tonight. He was wearing a deep maroon robe, in the dark and stepped out before the car. Thank God, the driver had excellent reflexes. But it reminded me that it was that time of year again. I don’t know, but this year it seems the devotees are fewer. Well going by the absense of plenty purple robes anyway.  However, it does not necessarily mean that the number of devotees are fewer, it might just mean that fewer persons are wearing robes or making offerings. But the last two years, purple was everywhere.

I don’t know how long these videos will be up, but Lydia and Roberto has some videos of the celebration of  the Black Christ over at the Silver People Chronicle. Go take a look.

If you attended the festival of the Black Christ, do share your stories with us.

Take care,
Marvia

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2 Responses to “Panama’s El Cristo Negro Celebrations Gets Underway”

  1. ricardo Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 11:37 am

    Hi. I'm a devotee. I started 3 year ago. I've gone for the last 3 years and I'm going this weekend just for it. I've seen some real changes in not just my life but the life of my loveones. So this is to say. This is no myth. just try it. from Maryland RAP2008 Que Viva El Cristo Negro. Que Viva El Nazareno.

  2. Marvia Says:
    October 17th, 2008 at 7:30 am

    Hello Ricardo!
    Welcome and thanks for sharing your experience. I've heard that story many times of the benefits persons receive. But tell me, do you feel like you are worshiping a 'different' God or do you see el Cristo Negro as a representation of God?

    I welcome the conversation on this topic.

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