PERU: LIMA: ANNUAL PROCESSION OF THE "PURPLE CHRIST" скачать в хорошем качестве

PERU: LIMA: ANNUAL PROCESSION OF THE "PURPLE CHRIST"

(24 Oct 1995) Spanish/Nat Peru has been engulfed by religious fervour and festivities. Thousands of Peruvians have gathered in the capital - Lima - for the annual procession of the "Purple Christ" - also known as "Our Lord of Miracles." The procession - held every October in this predominantly Catholic country - is an old religious tradition dating back to the 18th century. Scores of Peruvians gather each October at the Church of the Nazarenas, in Lima to show their devotion to the "Purple Christ." They come as early as five o'clock in the morning, defying cold temperatures for the annual procession. The procession in honour of the "Purple Christ" - also known as "Se¤or de los Milagros" (Our Lord of Miracles) - is an ancient religious tradition dating back to the 18th century. It sprang from the imagination of a humble black man who painted - with predominant shades of purples - the Crucified Christ, flanked by John and the Virgin Mary, on the wall of a church. In the 18th century a very strong earthquake destroyed the town but the icon painted on the wall emerged unharmed giving birth to an ongoing popular and massive cult. The procession of the "Purple Christ" is a display of Peru's diverse cultural and religious customs. Women wear traditional white mantillas and the city's streets are covered by a sea of white shawls and purple garments. Holding incense burners and chanting religious hymns, the devotees spend most of the day parading the image of the "Purple Christ" through the streets of Lima. The image is placed in a large heavy platform covered with flowers, purple decorations and other metal accessories. Many come to the procession hoping the Lord of Miracles will grant them their petitions. SOUNDBITE: (In Spanish) "I have faith and hope that some day he'll bring together my daughters. I've lost what I love the most and I've come to ask him (Christ) for her well-being." SUPER CAPTION: Vox pop, devotee One aspect of the procession is the creation of flower carpets to cover Lima's main square. President Alberto Fujimori left his presidential palace to greet the worshippers and admire the flowers. SOUNDBITE: (In Spanish) "Behind the beauty and the art there is a message for the Lord of Miracles with devotion, with zeal." SUPER CAPTION: Alberto Fujimori, President of Peru The procession made a stop in front of the Presidential Palace. President Fujimori and his defence minister watched from a balcony as a band played to welcome the procession. And amid fumes of incense and religious chants, Peruvians will continue their long procession that will end back at the Church of the Nazarenas where the "Purple Christ" will rest until next year's celebrations. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...