Case file · Apparition / miracle
The crucifix of Chimayó
Tradition says that during Holy Week around 1810 Bernardo Abeyta of El Potrero saw a light on a hillside near Chimayó, New Mexico, and dug up a crucifix of the Christ of Esquipulas, which three times returned on its own from the parish church to the spot.
1810 CE · 36.00, -105.93 · status: legend
The account
Abeyta built a chapel, replaced by the Santuario by 1816. Pilgrims take the 'holy dirt' from a pit in the floor, and nearly 300,000 visit each year, many walking on Good Friday.
The sceptical view
Other versions say a flood uncovered the crucifix; the Esquipulas cult, from Guatemala, also honoured healing earth. The church makes no official miracle claim.