http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47573000/jpg/_47573843_foto1basilicasantateresa.jpgThe Basilica of St Theresa in Caracas is the final destination of a pilgrimage made by thousands of Venezuelans who have come to pray to the Nazarene of St Paul. The belief is that in Holy Week, the Christ figure will perform miracles.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47573000/jpg/_47573844_foto2marisolgonzalez.jpgMarisol Gonzalez (right) is one such believer. Every year she comes to pray to the Nazarene with her family. “I will pray for peace in Venezuela and for the health of my family,” she says.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47573000/jpg/_47573845_foto3las16misas.jpgHundreds are inside the church, with thousands more outside. Some have attended all 16 Masses celebrated since 1am. The statue of Christ is adorned with more than 7,000 orchids donated by parishioners.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47573000/jpg/_47573846_foto4nazareno.jpgAccording to legend, in 1696, when yellow fever struck Caracas, the hand of the figure of Christ knocked a few fruits off a lime tree as the procession brushed past. The lime juice was said to have immediately cured the pilgrims who had the disease.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47573000/jpg/_47573847_foto6aloevera.jpgThere are also elements of indigenous traditions mixed with Christianity. These bundles of aloe vera are hung upside down with a bundle of wheat, corn and holy water to ward off bad energy. If it turns red it is believed that a miracle will happen.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47573000/jpg/_47573848_foto5ventarelicarios.jpgPeople also take the time to scour the dozens of stalls selling trinkets, lockets, bracelets and prayer cards.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47573000/jpg/_47573849_foto7vendedordescontento.jpgBut this year, some merchants, like Sandro, say business is slow. “The extra three days of holiday decreed by the government because of the energy crisis mean that people have left the city for the beaches.”
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47573000/jpg/_47573850_foto8espiritual.jpgFor this woman who sells purple robes, the sacred colour of the procession, the drop in business lies with the growing religious pluralism in Venezuela. “Evangelism, Islam, Spiritualism, Santeria… people are diversifying their beliefs.”
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47573000/jpg/_47573851_foto9militar.jpgA soldier checks out the souvenirs on sale. Troops play an important role in the celebration because they follow the figure of Christ in the procession just behind the bearers and priests.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47573000/jpg/_47573852_foto10portador.jpgJust before the ceremony, Verlanga, 20, prepares himself to be one of the bearers of the Nazarene, which weighs nearly half a ton. For this task, he says, he has had to purify himself and go to church regularly for six months.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47573000/jpg/_47573853_foto11imágenes.jpgFinally, at dusk, the statue of Christ is brought out to be carried through the streets, together with those of the Virgin Mary and St John. Words and photos: Anahi Aradas
This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.