This is how Corpus Christi is celebrated in Latin America and Spain

Thousands of faithful will participate this June 19 and 22 in the celebrations of Corpus Christi in different countries in Latin America and Spain, on a day marked by processions, masses, theatrical performances and cultural manifestations that unite Catholic devotion with the popular traditions of each region.

Children dressed as “Indians”

In Mexico, solemnity has a familiar and color, especially in the center of the country. It is common for parents to take their children to Mass dresses as indigenous from the colonial era or as San Juan Diego, seer of the Virgin of Guadalupe.

This practice is especially visible in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City and in Toluca.

According to him medium from faithof the archdiocese of Mexico, the origin of this custom is not known with certainty, although it is pointed out that “the Indians around the city used to release clothes the great holidays, such as Corpus Christi’s, and went down to the center with their typical costumes and with their mulitas adorned and loaded with merchandise that sold outside the churches.”

The Devils in Panama

In Panama, it combines religious fervor with a deep cultural expression, especially in the Villa de los Santos, where a colorful representation of the struggle between good and evil takes place. In it, masked devils, handmade, stage a symbolic battle for the soul of a man.

After receiving forgiveness from the bishop, these characters enter the Church as a sign of surrender before the Archangel San Miguel. Subsequently, a solemn mass is celebrated and the procession of the Blessed Sacrament is carried out through the streets of the town.

This tradition, which dates back to the colonial era as a method of evangelization, is distinguished by the colorful salt carpets that adorn the streets and by the presence of typical characters such as the “dirty diabric”, an icon of Panamanian religious folklore.

15 virgins and saints

In Peru, the city of Cusco becomes an epicenter of one of the most imposing manifestations of Corpus Christi. The celebration begins with a mass in the cathedral and continues with a great procession through the local square.

This is accompanied by images of fifteen virgins and saints that are loaded in walks by hundreds of parishioners, in a massive expression of faith. Since 2004, Corpus Christi Cusqueño has been recognized as the Nation’s Cultural Heritage, underlining its religious, historical and social value.

Sawdust rugs

In Brazil, the preparation of decorative carpets in the streets is one of the most emblematic traditions of the day. These ephemeral works of art, made with sawdust, flowers, sand and other materials, adorn the journey through the procession.

According to him Brazilian episcopate websitethe Corpus Christi is “the only time when the Eucharist leaves the church and travels the streets”, which explains why “it is so important to decorate with carpets the streets where the procession will pass.”

Space

In Spain, where it is also celebrated solemnity in different parts of the country, highlights the procession of Toledo, recognized by the majesty of its custody.

According to him Cathedral websitethis unique piece “presents as a whole the appearance of a wonderful Gothic tower of vibrant lines, curd of needles, pinnacles and small statuettes under dosleletes. 7 years, 18 kilos of gold and 183 silver were invested in its construction; it measures two and a half meters high.”

A singular tradition that accompanies these festivities in Toledo is the appearance of “La Tarasca”, A mythological character who also travels the streets on the eve of the party. This fantastic creature – a mixture of galapago, vampire and snake – throws water jets while moving along the processional route.