Daniel Alejandro Martinez Miranda walks from Cananea to Magdalena, a tradition he says he’s upheld for years.
Pulling off his sneakers, Martinez Miranda reveals blisters and calluses.
Cabalgatas (groups traveling on horseback) trek through the town of Imuris toward Magdalena, days before the feast of St. Francis Xavier.
Cabalgatas (groups traveling on horseback) trek through the town of Imuris toward Magdalena, days before the feast of St. Francis Xavier.
Cabalgatas (groups traveling on horseback) trek through the town of Imuris toward Magdalena, days before the feast of St. Francis Xavier.
Clothes dry by the Magdalena River, as hundreds camp out in the town of 25,000 residents.
As the feast day approaches, tents— an alternative to a hotel room for pilgrims— fill the city’s main square, Plaza Monumental.
Visitors line up to approach the city’s statue of St. Francis Xavier; many lift the heavy statue by its head.
Traveling on foot to Magdalena, pilgrims often adorn their walking sticks with ribbons. Each ribbon represents a pilgrimage, and each color has a distinct meaning.
Children and babies cool off in the Magdalena River next to the town.
Raúl Rivera García, who says he made the journey from southern Sonora, sits by the Magdalena River.
Drawn by the large crowds, many vendors travel to Magdalena to sell food, clothing and religious keepsakes.
Visitors and residents walk across and rest on the hanging bridge that stretches across the Magdalena River.
Musicians, playing banda and norteña, travel from as far as Sinaloa to partake in the Magdalena celebrations.
Musicians, playing banda and norteña, travel from as far as Sinaloa to partake in the Magdalena celebrations.
Musicians, playing banda and norteña, travel from as far as Sinaloa to partake in the Magdalena celebrations.
Vendors prepare for a night of rides and carnival games.
Roasted chicken and charred onions create a cloud of smoke outside Plaza Monumental.
Magdalena de Kino, along with the Sonoran city of Alamos, is one of Mexico’s designated Pueblos Mágicos, or Magic Towns.
