Lord of Miracles

The Lord of Miracles, also known as "Cristo de los Milagros" is an iconic image of Jesus Christ painted in the 17th century in Lima, Peru, by an African slave named Benito or Pedro Dalcon. This revered image occupies a crucial place in one of Peru's oldest Catholic traditions, boasting a rich history spanning 333 years. The procession honoring this image is among the largest religious processions in the world.

The image depicts Jesus Christ on the cross, with the Holy Spirit and God the Father above Him. To the left stands the Virgin Mary, and to the right, Mary Magdalene. The name "Lord of Miracles" originated after earthquakes in the 17th and 18th centuries devastated much of Lima, yet miraculously, the mural remained unscathed.

Every October, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from all walks of life gather for a religious procession through the streets of downtown Lima to honor the image. Participants, dressed in purple attire and white ropes, partake in this 20-hour-long procession. High-profile figures, including the President of Peru, the mayor of Lima, and the Archbishop of Lima, also pay their respects during the event.

This procession is a cornerstone of Peruvian culture, to the extent that October is often referred to as the "purple month" because of the colors associated with the celebration. Traditional sweets like mazamorra morada and Turrón de Doña Pepa are especially popular during this time. Additionally, Lima hosts the Fair of The Lord of The Miracles, which features bullfights where renowned bullfighters compete for top honors.