The Black Christ of Portobelo

The religious devotion to the Black Christ of Portobelo is one of the most popular in Panama.

Researchers say that this devotion dates back to colonial times, when, according to tradition, on October 21, 1658, a statue arrived on the shores of the Panamanian community of Portobelo.

Some estimates indicate that the image has been in Portobelo for more than two centuries.

The faith and devotion shown by the Panamanian people toward this image of Christ can be seen every year when, starting on October 15, pilgrims begin their devotional journey to Portobelo to honor the image of the Nazareno.

Many begin long walks days or even weeks earlier, coming from different parts of the country.

This devotion has grown to such magnitude that even international figures such as Ismael Rivera, Celia Cruz, Pete "El Conde" Rodríguez, Cheo Feliciano, and Gilberto Santa Rosa, among others, have witnessed it. Ismael Rivera, in particular, remembered it every year and even dedicated his famous song "El Nazareno" to the image.

The historical origins of the image’s presence in Portobelo remain unknown. However, local residents recount three main legends that explain how the statue arrived there:

1. The Box and the Storm

According to one story, a ship heading to Cartagena de Indias tried to set sail from Portobelo several times, but each time, a violent storm forced it to return to port. On the fifth attempt, the crew nearly shipwrecked, so they decided to lighten the load by throwing a large, heavy box overboard. After doing so, the ship finally sailed away without trouble.

Later, fishermen discovered the box, and when they opened it, they found the image of the Nazareno. They brought it to the town and placed it in the church.

2. The Box and the Epidemic

Another legend tells of fishermen who found a floating box during a cholera epidemic. Inside was the image of Christ, which they brought to the church. Almost immediately, the epidemic ended, and the sick recovered rapidly.

3. The Mix-up of the Images

A third legend claims that the Taboga Island Church (located in the Pacific) had ordered a statue of Jesus the Nazareno from an artisan in Spain. At the same time, the Portobelo Church ordered a statue of Saint Peter from the same craftsman. However, there was a shipping mistake, and the statues were switched: the Saint Peter statue ended up in Taboga, and the Nazareno arrived in Portobelo.

All attempts to correct the mistake failed, as strange events kept preventing the Nazareno from leaving the town. Eventually, the community interpreted these difficulties as a divine message and decided to keep the image in Portobelo.

Even today, the hymns dedicated to this devotion include the lyrics:
"…In Portobelo you remained, as a sign of your love…"

It is natural that such devotions are accompanied by myths and legends, which, for the people, become a way of life. For this reason, during episcopal conferences, bishops from different dioceses — and even parish priests in more specific cases — choose to remain silent when it comes to these popular beliefs. Ultimately, these devotions are accepted by the Church as part of the people’s faith and traditions.