Genesis Castillo, peer researcher for the RECLAMA project in Quinindé, writes about the importance of the celebration of Saint Martín de Porres in Esmeraldas:
In the north of the province of Esmeraldas, specifically in Limones, the capital of Eloy Alfaro canton, the festival of San Martín de Porres is held. San Martín de Porres was a friar of the Dominican order, born in the viceroyalty of Peru, who was declared a saint for his work and love for God.
This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the festival of San Martín in this town. The patron saint festivities of this "humble black man", or “San Martincito”, as he is known in the province of Esmeraldas, are held alongside cultural manifestations of the Afro-descendant population.
People travel from different locations to be part of the festivities, and enjoy the cultural agenda that Limones offers visitors on this special date, which coincides with the All Souls Day holiday. The travel - for example a 3 hour long journey from Quinindé to Limones – to attend this holy event in honour of San Martín de Porres, and the tasting of the typical dishes from Esmeraldas make this experience unique.
The activity on November 3 begins with a procession through the streets of Limones Island, where natives and visitors gather to join and sing traditional songs as they move to the pier. There, they embark on a large barge, that moves through the beautiful waters to reach the island of Canchimalero, where several boats with faithful believers from the surrounding communities gather to form a single procession that culminates with a Catholic mass, given by the parish priest and the bishop of the province.
I went to this event accompanied by my family, who, on my mother's side, have adopted the belief of venerating St. Martín de Porres. To arrive on this island is to feel peace, harmony and reconciliation, since the breeze from the estuary, surrounded by imposing mangroves, is felt during the boat trip and fills you with calm. Connecting with nature gives you tranquillity that stabilises your senses for several minutes. The harmony is manifested when listening to the instruments, such as the bombo, cununo, maracas and wasá, which, together with the traditional songs, which are part of the traditions and knowledge of the Afro-descendant people. It fills me with harmony to identify with and be part of this ethnic group and its tradition. The moment of spirituality and encounter, through the teachings and advice that St. Martín has left with his exemplary life, gives me a feeling of reconciliation with my body, mind and spirit.
Arriving in Canchimalero for San Martín is an act of devotion and respect for those of us who believe in this saint, honouring how he has influenced our lives as an example of humility and love for God. It is not only about getting and being there, but about learning from the experiences and teachings that Jesus bequeathed to us through biblical readings, and that are reflected through St. Martín.
On the day I had the opportunity to talk with Father Javier, who mentioned that: "young people are called to simplicity from their reality as young people, with their joy, enthusiasm and desire to dream and build a better world". This account shows that we can follow in the footsteps of St. Martín and be present in the gospel with our joy, without being different, and encourage more people to be part of a joyful church.
In addition, I spoke with Sabina Quiñonez, a singer born in Canchimalero, who has participated in this tradition all her life. Sabina's voice could be heard singing the song "de Medellín Martín ha llegado y trajo palomas arrulladoras" ("Martín has arrived from Medellín and brought cooing pigeons."). It is in this way that several singers express their affection for Martín.
St. Martin was an example of perseverance, since despite the injustices he experienced, what mattered most to him was his love for God, his humility, and helping others. In his stories, he urges us to put the needs of others before our own. As a young Afro-descendant and Catholic, I am happy to have come to Canchimalero and to feel a connection with God and my ancestors. Through faith, I am committed to improving and following Martín's example, mirroring his virtues, including love of God and neighbour.
