Depictions of the Black Christ and the Black Madonna are widespread throughout Latin America. A devoted follower of the Black Christ, Ismael Rivera, began his worship in the late 1960’s when he started participating in the annual pilgrimage of the Black Christ of Portobello, Panama. The black Christ had a profound influence on his life, aiding him in abstinence from drugs and also helping him reach the peak of his career. He showed this devotion to the Christ through his music, specifically his hit single “El Nazareno”. The Black Christ of Portobelo is one of many representations of Black Christ and the black Madonna in Latin America.

Click on the map below to learn more about the different representations of the Black Christ and the Black Madonnas throughout Latin America.