Somewhere around 1810, a Chimayo friar was performing penances when he saw a light bursting from a hillside. Digging, he found a crucifix, quickly dubbed the miraculous crucifix of Our Lord of Esquipulas. A local priest brought the crucifix to Santa Cruz, but three times it disappeared and was later found back in its hole. By the third time, everyone understood that El Senor de Esquipulas wanted to remain in Chimayo, and so a small chapel was built on the site. Then the miraculous healings began. These grew so numerous that the chapel had to be replaced by the larger, current Chimayo Shrine -- an adobe mission -- in 1816.
El Santuario de Chimayo is now known (at least locally) as the "Lourdes of America." The crucifix still resides on the chapel alter, but for some reason its curative powers have been overshadowed by El Posito, the "sacred sand pit" from which it sprang, which gapes unheavenly behind the main altar. Over 300,000 people visit this dustbin o' heaven every year.
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Place: 56 out of 131 Avg (all users): 5.3797 Avg (commenters): 7.2857 Avg (participants): 5.1852 Avg (non-participants): 5.5283 Views since voting: 1366 Votes: 187 Comments: 8 Favorites: 0
Initial: I used to live in Albuquerque.. I miss the Southwest Culture.
Composition: The straight on shot makes this look flat and uninviting to me. A different angle, perspective, or maybe time of day might improve this idea.
Technical: I like the clarity and detail, however, the lighting - although soft - is adding to the flat appearance. Again, perhaps a different angle, or time of day would add interest.
Other: Unfortunately, I don't find this an interesting image.. Sorry.
This is a beautiful photo and the mountains behind add to it. This place looks so restful. I'm not good at spanish but kinda looks like a sanitorium. And I could use a rest there about now. I love the colors in this. So typical of that area. This is a fantastic shot worthy of a 9. PTL
sorry I don't have much of a comment on the picture - just wanted to say that I am jealose that you are/were in New Mexico! I just love it there - so many photo opportunities with such a great sky and beautiful lighting. Nice framing and balance to this shot - I wish the bell tower on the right had a little less shadow.
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