Faith through time
In the principal reredos in the church of St. James the Great, in the village of Dzan, tehre is a venerated image called the Black Christ of St. Romanus.
Athough the date of manufacture and the origin of the statue are unknown, certain stylistic features, such as the size, suggest it was carved in the second half of the 17th century.
The effigy, which has great religious meaning for the local inhabitants, has been venerated for many years: historical records point to its worship already being practiced in the early 18th century.
The proportions of different elements of the carving create a sculptural harmony enhanced by its colors. The black crucifix contrasts with the white garment worn by the Son of God.
The statue of the Black Christ of St. Romanus at Dzan is displayed in the principal altarpiece of the church, and can be visited during times of religious services in the parish.
The festival in honor of this beloved image occurs each year from the 10th to the 16th of September.
Dzan, whose name means “submerged, sunken”, according to the Cordemex Maya Dictionary, from dzan, to sink or submerge, is around 100 kilometers (62 miles) south of Merida.
Location