Tuesday, the 15th of September, culminates as one of the largest and most important religious holidays in the Salta area. Over 50,000 people with devout faith journey from all over to gather in Salta Capital and celebrate this blessed day. As the story goes, in 1692 there was an earthquake that shook the city. In an effort to stop the terrible earthquakes, they carried el Señor del Milagro and an image of the Virgin Mary (later called lady of miracle) out in to the streets, prayed, and the earthquakes eventually stopped. El Señor del Milagro is a sculpture of a crucified christ. There are many facets to this story, that I haven’t quit gathered or understand. However, the most amazing piece is how it effects the entire valley, especially Cafayate, today. On September 9, the people of San Carlos, Animana, and Cafayate gather for a pilgrimage of 5 days to Salta (198 kilometers). People from ever hill side from the farthest reaches of north, south, east, and west walk to join the masses in Salta and celebrate El Milagro. One hundred and fifty people from our area, walk during the cool of the evening and rest in the heat of the days, it takes 5 days to arrive in Salta. Next the caballeros (horseback riders) leave two days before the 15th and journey to Salta and the third are the bicyclists leaving the day before. In all, 50,000 faithfuls join in the procession on the 15th of September, a site to see, and a devotion I have never experienced, quite amazing.
