Chalma Attractions
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12km/7.5mi east lies the village of Chalma, one of Mexico's principal places of pilgrimage. In pre-Columbian times a statue of Otzoctéotl, the god of caves, was worshipped here, and when this was destroyed by Augustinian monks in 1533 and replaced by a large crucifix, popular devotion was transferred to this new object.
The church, built in 1684, in which the Christ of Chalma (El Señor de Chalma) is now worshipped, attracts many thousands of pilgrims on the great feast-days, especially on the first Friday in Lent, at Ascension and on San Augustin's Day (August 28th). On these occasions there is a fascinating mixture of Catholic and ancient Indian rituals, including ceremonies, processions, dances and purifying baths.
The church, built in 1684, in which the Christ of Chalma (El Señor de Chalma) is now worshipped, attracts many thousands of pilgrims on the great feast-days, especially on the first Friday in Lent, at Ascension and on San Augustin's Day (August 28th). On these occasions there is a fascinating mixture of Catholic and ancient Indian rituals, including ceremonies, processions, dances and purifying baths.
