Devotion and fate: stakeholder perceptions of the Divino Niño del Milagro in Ciudad Eten, Peru

Purpose This study examines the perceptions of various local stakeholders regarding the Festivity of the Divino Niño del Milagro in Ciudad Eten (Peru), recognized by the Catholic Church as the only Eucharistic miracle in the country, exploring how this religious event influences local identity, governance and tourism development. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative case study was developed based on semi-structured interviews with ten key stakeholders (municipal authorities, religious leaders, private managers and regional associations). The material was processed through thematic coding supported by ATLAS.ti, complemented with documentary review and secondary sources. Findings The results reveal four major axes: (1) the festivity as an expression of identity and faith, (2) the challenges of institutional coordination and governance, (3) the shortcomings in infrastructure and services for hosting visitors, and (4) the tensions and opportunities arising from the commodification of a devotional practice through tourism. Research limitations/implications The study focuses on a single case and a small number of interviews, which limits generalizability. Future work could include visitor surveys and longitudinal analyses. In addition, there are no official statistics on religious tourism linked to the Festivities of the Divino Niño del Milagro in Ciudad Eten, which could have allowed for solid triangulation. Practical implications The study provides inputs for enhancing collaborative management among the Church, the municipality and private stakeholders, strengthening tourism infrastructure and balancing the needs of the faithful with the dynamics of an emerging destination. Social implications The festivity constitutes a space for cohesion and identity projection, but requires clear guidelines to avoid excessive commercialization and ensure cultural and spiritual sustainability. Originality/value This paper contributes evidence from Latin America to the international debate on religious festivities, tourism governance and the creation of emerging destinations. It is worth mentioning the 2025 scenario, with the enactment of Law No. 32337 recognizing Eten City as “Peru's Eucharistic City” and launching the national route “Paths of Pope Leo XIV,” which restructures the role of the festivity in tourism and cultural policy.