THE CROSS OF MATARÁ 

Many years ago, the first catechists,didn't know  the language of the natives, and they have the necessity of transmitting the t From that time we have a beautiful legacy, which is the Cross of Matrá. It is a size carried out in wood of  "mistol"   tree , and it has  the essence of the Catholic doctrine. According to an inscription in the superior part, it would be of the year 15. 
From the artistic point of view is very beautiful with its stylized figures and it supposes is carved by the natives under the direction of the missionaries that there worked. 
Its celebration takes place in Matará, a town that is 130 km from the capital city and it congregates to  people from the the surroundings and from very distant places in order to thank the Good Jesus of Matará. 
Salespersons arrive the previous days to the party and they conform a colored landscape that contrasts with the green and ochers of the santiaguinian landscape. 

Its celebration is in September 14th ,the day of the Exaltation of the Cross. 

Liliana Gerez Lopez 
Santiago del Estero, Argentina