A Bronze Statue of Christ is Submerged Below the Ocean of Zihuatanejo
“El Rey de Reyes” – The King of Kings
Submerged below the blue ocean waters of Las Gatas Beach in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, is a bronze statue of Christ – The King of Kings, “El Rey de Reyes.” This statue, which weighs about a ton and a half and is four meters in height, is an expression of the faith of the people in the local area.
The Public Donated Keys
This
statue project began back in 2006 when a call was made to the public to donate keys to be used to form the heart of the Jesus sculpture. Then, this bigger-than-life statue was cast in Acapulco by sculptor Marco Antonio Rivero Guerrero.
The Statue was Blessed by the Archbishop
In November 2006, the “King of Kings” statue was blessed by the Archbishop of the Diocese Felipe Aguirre Franco and in January 2007, a replica of the statue was blessed by Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican.
The Statue Toured Mexico
In 2007, the “King of Kings” statute visited several cities in Mexico, including Acapulco, Mexico City, Patzcuaro, and Morelia, and was received by over 50,000 people. At each city, local priests conducted Mass, rang the cathedral bells and local citizens conducted a festival celebration with fireworks.
The King of Kings Statue was Immersed in the Ocean of Zihuatanejo
The King of Kings was finally returned to Zihuatanejo where it was immersed in the waters off of Las Gatas Beach. It remains there to remind the local people of their commitment to faith. A replica of the statue is at the dive site.
Tourists and visitors to the area can arrange for snorkeling or scuba diving at the “King of Kings” underwater site in Las Gatas Beach.
This quaint little beach, located on the south side of Zihuatanejo Bay, is a favorite for swimming and snorkeling. Its shallow waters are especially quiet because of a legendary rock breakwater off of the shore. Small beach restaurants serve seafood specialties; beach chairs are provided.
You can visit Las Gatas Beach – or Playa Las Gatas in Spanish- by taking a scenic 10-minute boat taxi from the Municipal Pier in Zihuatanejo.
