Author's interest is focused on the adaptation of Peruvians to their new cultural setting in Chicago. A brief history of the procession in Lima is presented first, followed by a description of the procession there in contemporary (1968-1969) times. The paper then turns to a discussion of the Peruvian community in Chicago, focusing on the Sr. de los Milagros observances. Cultural changes and continuities of both practical and symbolic nature in the observance of the procession will be discussed. I contend primarily that the function of this procession, originally an expression of religious devotion and concern about e a r t hq ua ke s and serious illness, is increasingly taking on in Chicago the characteristics of a demonstration of Peruvian national/ethnic identity.