17 Oct BLACK CHRIST OF PORTOBELO
The Black Christ or “Cristo Negro” of Portobelo is a wooden image of Christ with a dark complexion located in the town of Portobelo, in province of Colon. The faith and devotion shown by the Panamanian people towards the image of this Christ is annually evidenced from October 15, when thousands of pilgrims show their devotional expressions and go to this picturesque fishing village to worship the image of the Black Nazarene.
The history of this emblematic tradition is presented in different popular legends that year after year have become part of the local culture encouraging people to show their devotion. One of these legends mention that the Black Nazarene was rescued from the waters during a storm near the coast of Portobelo when a boat, trying to lighten its weight, was throwing cargo overboard. Among that load was a wooden box that filtered with seawater and when it was opened, the image of a Black Christ caused great impression by the expression of his face and placement of his hands as placing an order.
Another legend says that some fishermen found the Black Christ inside a box floating in the sea. There was cholera in Portobelo and locals decided to place the huge image in the church, causing the epidemic to cease immediately. However, a third legend warns that there was a mistake when changing two images: one of Saint Peter, requested by the priest of Portobelo, and the Nazarene for Taboga. When they tried to make the change, ‘things’ happened that prevented the image from being returned, so they decided to keep it. ‘In Portobelo you stayed, as a sign of your love …’, says one of the phrases dedicated to the Nazarene.
To honour the miraculous actions of the Black Christ, a procession is held every October 21. During this procession, pilgrims travel several kilometres with ceremonial robes and walk to the church in honour of this figure. The clothes of the Black Christ are changed twice a year and once is this day when grateful pilgrims carry the statue on their shoulders for a short distance, representing the path travelled by the Black Nazarene from the sea. During the Black Christ Festival, thousands of pilgrims arrive to Portobelo in an atmosphere that mixes religious fervour and celebration.