A Cristo moreno in Barcelona: The Staging of Identity-Based Unity and Difference in the Procession of the Lord of Miracles

M Fernandez-Mostaza,Wilson Muñoz Henriquez

doi:10.3390/rel9040121

M Fernandez-Mostaza, Wilson Muñoz Henriquez

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/rel9040121

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Abstract

The procession known as “Lord of Miracles” is a massive religious phenomenon that takes place in various cities around the world in October. The purpose of this study is to describe and analyze certain elements of the procession, which champion not only the idea of unity (religious, cultural, ethnical, and national), but also the sociocultural differences. With this in mind, we conducted ethnographical research focused on the processions that took place in Barcelona, Spain, in 2016 and 2017. Along with a number of practices and talks intended to activate and strengthen the image of religious unity (Brothers in Christ) and national unity (Brothers of Peru), there are certain dynamics that point to differences, which call that unity into question. Specifically, we focused our study on two seasons of the procession: the scissors dance and the Marian, both dances for the Lord. However, the type of interaction that happens with each of them shows inner differences, which the members establish with the image of the Cristo moreno. These differences are expressed in the special-temporal location of certain stations—which represent subordinate sociocultural manifestations—and in the type of interaction, which the members establish with the image of the Cristo moreno.

Highlights

IntroductionIn Barcelona, Spain, hundreds of migrants—mostly from Peru and from other Latin American countries—gather to participate in a spectacular procession dedicated to the Cristo moreno, or Colored Christ, as they call him
The procession of the Lord of Miracles is a widely popular religious festival that is currently celebrated in countless cities around the world during October
In Barcelona, Spain, hundreds of migrants—mostly from Peru and from other Latin American countries—gather to participate in a spectacular procession dedicated to the Cristo moreno, or Colored Christ, as they call him

Summary

Introduction

In Barcelona, Spain, hundreds of migrants—mostly from Peru and from other Latin American countries—gather to participate in a spectacular procession dedicated to the Cristo moreno, or Colored Christ, as they call him. It is presently the most important and well-attended urban celebration for Peruvians and their descendants living in Barcelona. This type of religious festival has been seen as a mere extension of the cults of origin that echo the official Catholic canon, and their internal homogeneity is overestimated (Altamirano 2000; Ruíz Baia 1999; Paerregaard 2008). In the context of our study, we noticed that both the internal similarities and differences of the community are manifested through distinct symbolic and ritual forms

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