Ethnographic approach to the Patron feast of the Lord of Ostúa in Metapán

Abstract

An array of stories about a black image have different origins in Central America, Mexico and other Latin American countries, according to the diverse population who venerates them, for example: the Lord of Miracles (Afro-descendant cult), and the Lord of Esquipulas (linked to the indigenous and ladino population). This same diffusion is found in different populations of the Salvadoran territory; we have taken a journey to locate the Patron feasts and minor cults in honor of these black images, and in this particular case, the Black Christ. On this occasion, a brief description of the feast of the Lord of Ostúa--the second patron saint of the city of Metapán--is presented. This Catholic religious tradition is celebrated locally every year, on a movable date. However, we can identify elements that distinguish it from other festivities held in January in different places across the Central American region.