Precious Blood of Christ

It is celebrated on the first Sunday in July. Thousands of Quiroguenses living in other cities return to their town to take part in this celebration. The feast of the Precious Blood is almost as important to them as Christmas. The object of veneration is a huge image of Christ crucified, made of sugarcane paste.

Depending on the direction from which they come, the pilgrims enter the town from each of the cardinal points. Each contingent is accompanied by bands of musicians and when they reach the point where the roads intersect, there are hugs and tears. Bishops from the region lead the welcome and the bands begin to play the same tune. From dawn onwards, pilgrims can be seen doing penance in the streets heading to the church, and in the afternoon a procession takes place with the heavy image of the crucified Christ. Every year without exception it rains during the route that ends at dusk without diminishing the participation of the parishioners.

Quiroga is a pre-Hispanic community near Morelia, today dedicated to the trade of agricultural and artisanal products. It could be said that Quiroga has two Patron Saints. One of them, the oldest, is San Diego de Alcalá, venerated since the time of Don Vasco de Quiroga, when the town was still called Cocupao.

Most of its followers come from the oldest neighborhoods and celebrate with the dances that their indigenous and Spanish grandparents taught them. The other patron saint is the Precious Blood.