Esquipulas Basilica- the Shrine of the Black Christ in Esquipulas
Baroque Architecture | June 23, 2010Esquipulas Basilica is commonly known as Shrine of the Black Christ. As stated by Pope John Paul II it is the “spiritual center of Central America”. This Basilica of Esquipulas every year attracts numerous pilgrims to the astounding statue of the Black Christ, which was carved in the year 1595.
The township of Esquipulas is located in southeastern regions of Guatemala close to the borders of El Salvador and Honduras, at an altitude of almost 3,018 ft (around 920 m). An attractive Baroque structure, which is painted in a glossy white color, this basilica dominates the skyline of Esquipulas. Extraordinarily, this basilica has survived numerous earthquakes over many centuries with small damages.
The Shrine of the Black Christ has got its name from the dark wood, which it was used for the carving of the shrine. The statue of Christ is housed within a glass case placed on the altar in the easternmost end of this basilica. A huge statue that portrays Christ suffering over the cross, this is a fraction of the Crucifixion group along with St. John and Mary Magdalene.
Pilgrims are made to stand in a line by the side of the western wall of this church for seeing El Cristo Negro that too from a close distance. Many times people stand in the line for more than one hour for getting a close up of El Cristo Negro. After taking glimpse of the statue and then saying the prayers, all pilgrims move away from the statue and make their way out from the church from the other side. Majority of the pilgrims believe that turning their back to the holy figure is an offense.
Festivals and Events
Several special processions along with services are organized on the Festival of the Black Christ, which takes place on 15 January, 21-27 July, and all through Holy Week every year. This basilica is completely jam-packed on these days with Guatemalan pilgrims.
Esquipulas Basilica – Getting There
Esquipulas Basilica is located at a distance of 80 miles in the eastern region of Guatemala City in Esquipulas and is easily reached through air or car transportation.
Esquipulas Basilica – Opening hours
On a daily basis the opening hours of Esquipulas Basilica is from 6am to 8pm.
Esquipulas Basilica – Entrance fees
Pilgrims are required to pay no entrance fees for entering Esquipulas Basilica.
Esquipulas Basilica – Services
The timings of services in Esquipulas Basilica are given below:
Monday to Saturday at 6:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 5 p.m.
Sunday at 6:30 a.m., 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 5 p.m.
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Esquipulas is famous for its Tierra Santa (Holy Earth) clay tablets that are purchased by the pilgrims during Church festivals.
The clay from the local deposits is cleaned and pressed into small cakes.
Such clay is also known as tierra bendita, or Tierra del Santo. The popularity of this clay is attested by the many names that are used for such medicinal clay tablets all around Central America.
Pilgrims sometimes eat the supposedly curative clay, or they rub themselves with it.