Every October, the country of Peru becomes fixated on the color purple in preparation for one of its most important religious events: El Señor de los Milagros, or the Lord of Miracles. Catholic Peruvians all over celebrate this feast day on Oct. 28, the focal point of which is a large procession through the streets of the capital city, Lima.
Donning purple cloaks, the faithful accompany the processional platform carrying an image of the Crucifixion while swinging censers of smoldering palo santo wood. By some accounts, this is one of the largest regular Christian processions in the world, and the lead-up to the day is punctuated by smaller neighborhood processions and other religious events. Local parishes drape purple cloths in their sanctuaries as retailers offer special deals for "Purple Month." The fervor around this holiday can be likened to the Brazilian carnival, though a lot more solemn.
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