The pilgrimage that for more than fifty years has brought together thousands of cyclists to pedal towards Esquipulaswas declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Nation.
He Ministry of Culture and Sports made the official declaration through Ministerial Agreement No. 445-2026, published in the Diario de Centro América.
“The declaration was made official this June 3, 2026, in recognition of a practice that constitutes a expression of faithtradition and cultural heritage deeply rooted in Guatemalan society“, the portfolio reported in a statement.
According to article 1 of the agreement, The cycling pilgrimage to Esquipulas is a tradition of faith and a social, cultural and sporting expression that strengthens national identitythe sense of belonging and the cultural syncretism of Guatemalan society.
“The General Directorate of Cultural and Natural Heritage of the Ministry of Culture and Sports is instructed to, through its competent technical directorates and departments, dictate the protection, defense, research and conservation measures required by the Cycling Pilgrimage to Esquipulas,” the agreement indicates.
This journey of faith has been celebrated for more than fifty years within the framework of the Day of the Lord of Esquipulas. It departs from the Metropolitan Cathedral, in zone 1 of Guatemala City, and its destination is the Basilica of the Lord of Esquipulas, in Chiquimula.
In each edition more cyclists participate and Now there are thousands of devotees who pedal every January to visit the Black Christ of Esquipulas as a sign of gratitude, fulfillment of promises or expression of their spiritual requests.
“The cycling pilgrimage to Esquipulas is much more than a route: it is an expression of faith, devotion and commitment that has accompanied thousands of Guatemalans over the years,” the Ministry of Culture and Sports published on its social networks.
In addition to its spiritual meaning, this practice has an important cultural and social value, since It is a tradition passed down from generation to generation and a living expression of the intangible cultural heritage of Guatemala, according to the institution.
According to the Ministry of Culture and Sports, This cycling pilgrimage is part of a set of pilgrimages to Esquipulas that is currently advancing in a process of international recognition.
“These demonstrations were nominated jointly by Guatemala and Panama to integrate the Representative List of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity“said the portfolio.
The final decision will be announced in December 2026 during the XXI Meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, to be held in Xiamen, China.
The declaration of the Cycling Pilgrimage to Esquipulas as Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Nation matches the World Bicycle Daywhich is commemorated every June 3.