El Cristo Roto Guide
El Cristo Roto: A Symbol of Faith and Resilience on the Island of Peace Guide
Prepare to be moved by the powerful presence of El Cristo Roto, a colossal broken Christ statue perched dramatically on an island in the Presa Plutarco Elías Calles (Calles Dam) near San José de Gracia, Aguascalientes. This isn't just a statue; it's a profound symbol of faith, resilience, and hope in the face of adversity. The sheer scale of the sculpture, combined with its poignant incompleteness, creates an unforgettable and deeply spiritual experience. A visit here offers a chance for reflection and contemplation amidst the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. The story behind El Cristo Roto is as compelling as the statue itself. In the 1990s, a local priest, Father José Ruiz, envisioned a monument that would represent the brokenness and suffering of humanity. He commissioned the sculptor Miguel Romo Santini to create a Christ figure with missing limbs, symbolizing the pain and struggles faced by people around the world. The statue was intentionally placed on an island, accessible only by boat, to further emphasize its isolation and the feeling of being lost or incomplete. A trip to El Cristo Roto offers several activities. The most popular is taking a boat ride to the island, allowing you to appreciate the statue from different angles and soak in the tranquility of the lake. Once on the island, you can walk around the base of the statue, read the plaques that explain its history and significance, and simply take time for quiet reflection. There are also small shops selling religious souvenirs and local crafts. While there isn't a specific culinary tradition directly linked to the site, the nearby town of San José de Gracia offers traditional Mexican cuisine, including delicious seafood dishes due to its proximity to the lake.
Transportation
Reaching El Cristo Roto requires a bit of planning. First, you'll need to travel to the town of San José de Gracia, which is about a 2-hour drive northwest of Aguascalientes city. You can rent a car or take a bus from the Aguascalientes bus station (Central de Autobuses). Once in San José de Gracia, head to the lakefront where you'll find boats that offer rides to the island. The boat ride is the only way to access El Cristo Roto.