Caguach Island hosts traditional Jesús Nazareno religious festival

Thousands of pilgrims gathered on Caguach Island in the Quinchao commune for the traditional festival of Jesús Nazareno. Estimates suggest between 2,500 and 3,000 people participated in the religious celebration, which is the largest in the Chiloé archipelago. The event, which has been maintained for over two centuries, featured a central mass led by Bishop Juan María Agurto of the San Carlos de Ancud Diocese.

Authorities reported a peaceful event despite some rainfall. A coordinated security and support operation involved the municipality, the Presidential Delegation, the Navy, and Carabineros. The deployment included over 90 personnel, canine units for drug detection, and maritime support such as the dental medical vessel Cirujano Videla and the LSG Chiloé. Officials focused on managing street commerce, alcohol consumption, and ensuring safe embarkation and disembarkation for the devotees.