The Devotional Journey: Women Pilgrims of the Captive Lord of Ayabaca (Piura, 20th Century)

Navarro R.M.R. · Memoria y Civilizacion (2026) · DOI: 10.15581/001.29.1.008

Resumen

Devotion to the Señor Cautivo of Ayabaca has grown, and in the 20th century, a multi-day pilgrimage was added, in which men and women participate in family or friendly groups or as part of brotherhoods. The reasons for this journey ―which takes place in October― are varied, as are the experiences and emotions, as they have to endure the harsh climate, to which they add mortifications such as walking on their knees, carrying crosses, or crawling. In this article, in which I will apply the method of oral history, I aim to classify and differentiate the reasons that drive women to make this pilgrimage and analyse the organizational and execution aspects of the trip, highlighting their emotions and experiences. I will also include the group of elderly women who sell food and drink along the pilgrimage route, because they contribute to the family economy, being good advisors.

Instituciones: Universidad de Piura