Travel Experta’s Interesting Facts – Esquipulas, Central Highlands
Esquipulas may be a relatively nondescript place along the remote eastern border of the country, but it happens to be Guatemala‘s most important Roman Catholic pilgrimage site. The main church in Esquipulas was upgraded to the status of basilica in 1968, and houses the city’s prime treasure — El Cristo Negro (The Black Christ), a dark-skinned statue of Christ that’s believed to have healing powers. The Basílica and Black Christ have been visited by Pope John Paul II, Mother Teresa, and Che Guevara, among others, and it’s estimated that more than one million people make the pilgrimage each year.
Where is it?
222km (137 miles) SE of Guatemala City
Some Interesting Facts
The city and nearly all activity in the town is centered around the Basílica and the park that’s in front of it. All of the hotels and restaurants can be found within a 4-block radius of the Basílica. If you are concerned about where to get some cash there are several banks within a block or two of the Basílica.
What to See
* Cueva de las Minas
* Black Christ inside of the Basilica
* The Black Christ’s Festival (January 15th)
Basilica de Esquipulas – Derick Lleony
Posts Related to Travel Experta's Interesting Facts - Esquipulas, Central Highlands
Travel Experta’s Interesting Facts – Guatemala’s Central Highlands
The Verapaces, Central Guatemalan Highlands, are mountainous regions with cloud forests, El Biotopo del Quetzal - where you'll find the Resplendent Quetzal, the gorgeous national ...
Costa Rica Festivals – Fiestas de Alajuelita – Alajuelita
A Costa Rican festival in honor of the Black Christ of Esquipulas is celebrated annually every 15th of January. An ox-cart parade and a religious ...
Panama Festivals – The Black Christ of Portobelo – Portobelo, Panama
In Portobelo, a small town in the Caribbean coast of Panama, the Black Christ is their religious symbol where tens of thousands of pilgrims or ...
Travel Experta’s Interesting Facts – Exploring The Atlantic Lowlands – Guatemala’s Caribbean
You know What makes this area so special? It's the different water cruise adventures to be had: A beautiful boat tour along the Rio Dulce ...
Traditional Festivals and Events of Guatemala
Guatemalans sure know how to throw a party and celebrate a holiday. Ether they are flying 30 foot wide kites commemorating the dead on The ...
One Response to Travel Experta’s Interesting Facts – Esquipulas, Central Highlands
Leave a Reply
Join the Fun!
Family Guide Books – Buy Now!
That church is perfect for weddings!!!