October Traditions in Lima

It's been many years since I've been in Lima during the month of October. This month is very special because we celebrate the Lord of Miracles, also known as the Christ of Pachacamilla or the Purple Christ.
The Lord of Miracles is the image of Jesus that was painted many years ago in the 16th century on an adobe wall in Lima. After a strong earthquake and repeated tremors, the only wall standing was the one with the painted image. Many considered this to be the work of God, and since then people began to worship him.
Over the years, an identical copy of the painting was commissioned so that it could be carried in procession. Since then, the Lord of Miracles has attracted thousands of faithful during its annual tour through the streets of Lima, faithful who witness the miracles of the Purple Christ.

Personally, I will always remember when I was six or seven years old and the Lord of Miracles made his way down a street very close to where we lived in downtown Lima. That day there was a commotion throughout the neighborhood and my mom made sure someone took me to the platform. To this day, I don't know how she did it or how many people helped her, but I was there receiving her blessing. Today, it seems almost impossible to get close to the platform, however, many people still manage to get close to the image after many adventures.
During this great celebration, the typical Doña Pepa nougat also appears. Our Peruvian nougat is made with flour, plenty of honey, and colorful sprinkles. The flavor of Doña Pepa nougat is incomparable and delicious. It's the most popular treat during the month of October, and fortunately, it's now exported to many countries, so we can eat it any month of the year without having to wait until October.

Another typical dish, also found at every turn during the procession of the Lord of Miracles, is "Anticuhos," which is grilled beef heart. The heart is preferably marinated in advance with panca chili, garlic, vinegar, salt, and pepper, and the pieces are placed on a stick and then cooked. They are delicious!

Almost always, not far from where the anticuchos are prepared during the procession, you'll also find "Picarones," another traditional Peruvian dessert made with flour, pumpkin, sweet potato, and chancaca. The dough is formed into something similar to a donut and then fried in oil. It's served covered in chancaca honey. This is one of the desserts I miss most when I'm abroad, and I can speak from experience.

These are the main typical flavors in my country during the month of October, which together with the smell of incense aromatize the passage of our Lord of Miracles. Thanks to a great friend who gave me a holy card, he was with me when I first arrived in the United States and he is still with me now.