With processions, penances and colorful carpets: thus lives Mexico the Holy Week

Holy Week in Mexico is a time of great importance, and is marked by a variety of traditions with which devotees express their faith and approach with mercy on the passion, death and resurrection of Christ.

From the streets of the main cities to the most remote villages, you can see various ceremonies that have endured over the centuries.

The “procession of the Christs” in Guerrero

One of the most outstanding festivities occurs in Taxco, in the state of Guerrero, where they are held processions throughout Holy Week. One of the most notable is the “procession of the Christs”, which brings together images of Jesus crucified in the region.

However, what most attracts attention are the penance practices carried out by penitent devotees during these processions.

People perform acts such as loading thick rolls of branch branches on their shoulders and arms, burying the thorns on the skin; Others carry heavy wooden crossings on their arms; And some more hit their backs.

In addition, women usually participate by dragging chains while walking, as a representation of penance and sacrifice.

The “spies” of Michoacán

In the state of Michoacán, during Wednesdays and Thursday, a unique tradition is celebrated in which Roman soldiers become protagonists.

In the indigenous community of Tzintzuntzan, some settlers are chosen to represent the so -called “spies” or “legionaries”, whose mission is to look for Jesus of Nazareth to apprehend him and take him to trial on Holy Thursday.

Drawed with white blanket robes, girdles and red monteries, these spies travel the streets of the town communicating with each other with clay whistles. Throughout their journey, they visit ancient chrys of the 16th century, which are guarded in the homes of twelve community families.

The tour concludes with a visit to the Christ of the Holy Burial, a deeply venerated image in Tzintzuntzan, which is used during the representation of the Via Crucis.

The laying of Christos in Jalisco

It is one tradition which is carried out in the town of San Martín de Hidalgo, in the state of Jalisco, during Good Friday.

During this event, the town houses are transformed into temporary chapels where the image of Jesus crucified is venerated that is lying between bay leaf, alfalfa and other plants.

The inhabitants of San Martín de Hidalgo open their homes to visitors and devotees so that they can tour these “chapels”. At night, families watch the sacred image as if it were a deceased loved one.

Upon arriving on Saturday morning, the ceremony of lifting the Christ of the Altar is held, where it is prayed before the image and blessings are requested for the community and the faithful present.

The death of Judas Iscariot in Guanajuato

In the town of La Purísima del Rincón, in the state of Guanajuato, a unique tradition is carried out during Holy Week known as the “Judea purimense”It is a theatrical representation that has Judas Iscariot as a central character.

Tradition begins on Wednesday, with the dramatization of the sale of Jesus for some coins, reflecting the moment when Judas betrays Jesus.

On Holy Thursday, local inhabitants participate in the representation using masks, while persecuting Judas for their betrayal.

Finally, on Good Friday, at the end of the Crossthe “Judea” reaches its climax with the representation of the death of Judas Iscariot.

Sawdust matches in Puebla

The creation of carpets and mats made with sawdust and flowers It is one of the most outstanding expressions of Holy Week in the state of Puebla.

These works of art adorn the streets of various communities, adding a special touch to religious celebrations, where residents work to create elaborate designs that represent religious scenes related to Holy Week.

The monumental carpet in Cholula is a notable example of this tradition. With a length of 170 meters and made with more than 120 savise. Other communities such as Atlixco and San Jerónimo Caleras also participate in this practice.

Procession of Silence in San Luis Potosí

This procession, of Spanish origin, commemorates the passion and death of Christ, as well as the devotion to Our Lady of Solitude. It is considered an important manifestation of the country’s religious culture and culture During Holy Week.

The event takes place on the night of Good Friday, beginning in the temple of Our Lady of Carmen, which is the place of origin of the procession. From there, the procession follows a tour through the streets of the Historic Center of San Luis Potosí.