Every October, the magical town of Izamal revives one of its most eagerly awaited traditions: the Feast of the Santo Cristo de la Exaltación de Sitilpech.
Sitilpech is a comisaría (sub-municipality or rural community) in the municipality of Izamal; Sitilpech is located about 7 kilometers east of the Magical Town.
From mid-October through early November, gremios, rosaries, Masses, and popular dances are held in honor of the Santo Cristo de la Exaltación, an image believed to be miraculous that brings Izamal residents of all ages together. Izamal has preserved much of its colonial character, and its residents have made a great effort to keep their customs and traditions alive. During this celebration, the quiet rhythm of everyday life gives way to something extraordinary, and the magic of the city seems to fill every corner.
The miraculous origins of the Christ of Sitilpech
According to legend, the Christ of Sitilpech arrived in Yucatán alongside the Christ of Tekantó, in the form of two mysterious dark-skinned, curly-haired brothers who were looking for jobs. Each settled in a nearby community, and both became beloved in Izamal for their simple, humble nature, generous hearts, and religious devotion.
Then, one day, they disappeared, each leaving behind an exquisitely carved image of the crucified Jesus in their respective villages. Those who witnessed the miraculous discovery claimed that the wooden carvings bore a striking resemblance to the mysterious men who had once arrived in Izamal. Both images became the patron saints and protectors of their respective communities.
The journey to Izamal
The Christ of Sitilpech has been venerated since the 18th century in a small chapel inside the Templo de San Jerónimo, located in the center of the community. Over the years, its reputation has spread, drawing people from all walks of life who turn to the image in search of miracles.
Since the mid-19th century, a massive seven-kilometer procession has carried the image on foot from its temple in Sitilpech to the city of Izamal. Every October 18, the Christ is welcomed in Izamal by thousands of faithful followers, marking the beginning of its novenas and gremios in the Yellow City.
One reason the Santo Cristo de Sitilpech is so beloved in Izamal is that it is closely connected to the image of the Virgin Mary that usually presides over the Pueblo Mágico. Because the Virgin is also considered miraculous, her intervention was requested in Mérida on several occasions to help confront plagues, epidemics, and other misfortunes. Whenever she was away, the Christ took her place at the altar, ensuring that Izamal would not be left unprotected.
Tradition holds that, in the mid-19th century, a cholera epidemic swept across Yucatán. Once again, the Virgin of Izamal was called upon in Mérida, leaving Izamal vulnerable. In early October, as the disease worsened in the area, devotees decided to make a penitential pilgrimage from Sitilpech to Izamal, carrying the Christ with them. The sick were brought to the doorways of their homes, while others prayed for their recovery.
From that day onward, the disease began to subside. In gratitude, the two communities vowed to repeat the pilgrimage every October 18 and hold a grand celebration in the Christ’s honor. Today, the images of the Virgin of Izamal and the Christ of Sitilpech come together, and thousands of believers attend their shared celebration.
If you’re in Yucatán around this time of year, be sure to make a trip to Izamal. To round out your visit, check out our guide, “Izamal: Yucatán’s First Magical Town.”
First published on the Yucatán Today website in October 2026.
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