Town 7 km east of Izamal
A village east of Izamal, linked by a bike path, whose venerated Christ is carried to Izamal every October 18.
Sitilpech is a small village about 7 kilometers east of Izamal, linked to it by a cycle path, and it is the home of one of the most venerated images in eastern Yucatán: the Santo Cristo de la Exaltación, known as the Black Christ of Sitilpech. The dark wooden crucifix, probably carved in the 18th century, shows Christ at the moment of death, and is dressed with a stylized crown of thorns and cloth embroidered with flowers like those on a Yucatecan hipil.
The image is kept in the church of San Jerónimo, the village's colonial parish church. Local legend says two brothers arrived in the area long ago, each carrying a black crucifix: one stayed in Sitilpech and the other went to Citilcum. Devotion to the Christ grew from the 18th century onward, and pilgrims still come from across the peninsula.
Two dates mark the year. From late August to September 14, Sitilpech holds its own fiesta for the Christ. Then, on October 18, the image is carried in a great procession to Izamal, fulfilling a vow made during an old epidemic, and it stays there for about twenty days of masses, processions and fair before returning.
What to see and do
Bike or walk the cycle path from Izamal to Sitilpech.
Visit the church of San Jerónimo to see the Black Christ during services.
Come for the village fiesta between late August and September 14.
Join the crowds on October 18, when the Christ is carried in procession to Izamal.
Getting there
Sitilpech is about 10 minutes east of Izamal by car or taxi, or an easy ride on the cycle path that runs alongside the road. The church is usually open for services; the image is most accessible during the fiestas.
7 km east of Izamal
Directions from Izamal on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Places to stay in Sitilpech
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Photos
Weather warm
Sitilpech shares the climate of Izamal, 7 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec.
Make Izamal your base
Sitilpech is an easy trip from Izamal, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
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Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.