Mexico’s Passion Plays

I’m going to do two photo journals on some of the events around Holy Week (Easter) here in Mexico.  I’m posting some shots of the TV coverage (this was going to be a video blog, but due to technical difficulties we’re sticking with the stills).

All over Mexico, every year, there are passion plays – depictions of His crucifixion and resurrection, and the time leading up to them.  Some of these are small local affairs, but some, such as those in Taxco and Iztapalapa (near Mexico City) are massive events.  Over a million (perhaps over 2 million) people come to Iztapalapa each year for this.

The events are acted in sequence in real time, including the last supper on Thursday.  But Friday is the biggest show – the crucifixion.  This is the biggest Good Friday event of its kind in the world.

TV coverage of the event

An announcer along the route where "Jesus" will pass carrying the cross

The crowds and cast members assemble.  This is an aerial view – those dots are people.  😉

The entire community is involved in the production.  There are costumes, horses, the whole bit.  I should add that not everything here is entirely "fake".  The actor cast as Jesus must have serious physical stamina to endure beatings, a very heavy cross and significant time on the cross.

Many people actually ask the actor portraying Jesus for a miracle.  Though they realize he is an actor, they believe God will answer them because of their devotion.  In the same way, many of the several hundred actors are looking for miracles, or believe they have been directed by God to be a part of the play.

Pontius Pilot speaks to the crowd

Aerial shot of "Jesus" being beaten by the Roman soldiers.  Notice the angel on the left.

"Jesus" on the way to Gologtha, and I think the woman represents his mother Mary.  She’s holding his mic.

With all these realistic props, it’s quite a shock to all of a sudden see Jesus being interviewed by a reporter!

This is not just about the passion of Jesus.  There’s quite a party atmosphere nearby – balloons, food, beer, and secular music.  Quite a contrast to the somber scenes being portrayed!

Throughout the day, they interviewed a lot of people who were visiting Iztapalapa or Taxco or wherever.  Of course I could only understand so much, but there were quite a range of responses to the event.

Woman meditates on the event.  Some people really took the time to consider Jesus’ suffering, though how many really understand what it means is another question.  Many commented that this was an important "cultural" event for Mexico and the Roman Catholic Church.

Other people said that they just came as a family tradition, or that they simply enjoyed the time with friends.

A thief on one of the crosses

At the moment of death, and angel above the cross releases a dove.

Read more about the Iztapalapa passion play here.  In the next photo journal, I’ll write a little more about other Mexican traditions during Holy Week.