The Christ of Esquipulas in Dzemul

A Guatemalan cult in the Peninsula

The Holy Christ of Esquipulas, a cult originating in Guatemala, watches over the the people of Dzemul from his personal chapel, as he did years ago for the family who began his worship here in this little town close to the coast of Yucatan.

The historian Leopoldo González Martín, in his book The Cult of the Christ of the Blisters, is of the opinion that this well-made, black crucifix is probably the only Esquipulas image in Yucatan. The sculpture’s stylistic features suggest it was made in the 19^th century.

It stands in a chapel on the south side of the central park, built in 1850 by the Ortega family. The oratory has a neo-classical entrance with a triangular pediment, and has also been used as a family mausoleum, says Raúl Enrique Canto Rivero in his book Adauge nobis fidem.

The image has especial significance for the inhabitants of Dzemul, since despite the fact that it is housed in a private chapel, they both identify with, and feel protected by, the Christ of Esquipulas.

The beautiful carving is unusual for having a sculpture of Mary Magdalene at the feet of the crucified Christ. Although it is at present in the safekeeping of the Argáez family, it is possible to visit it, by contacting the caretakers, or Dzemul parish.  

González Martín notes that the statue of the Black Christ in Dzemul does not have a patronal festival, but a Novena is said in its honor in September, ending with a procession on the 14^th, the day of the Exaltation of the Cross. He adds that celebrations were already being held in the mid-19^th century.

Dzemul is 46 kilometers (29 miles) northeast of Merida, and according to the State Government and the Popular Maya-Spanish Dictionary, the name means “devastated hill or mound”, from dze, destroy, and mul, a hill or mound.

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