Mexico is a place of profound catholic devotion. I've said before that Mexicans keep their traditions alive. Semana Santa (Holy Week) is a great display of culture and a wide variety of customs. One example of the faith people show is the Passion of Iztapalapa in Mexico City.

Iztapalapa was once a city of the Aztecs. Now it is one of the largest communities in Mexico City. For these people Holy Week is their most important celebration and they feel proud of it. Every year, the locals get involved in the preparation of The Passion, and a young man gets chosen to reenact Jesus, which is the greatest honor in a man's life.

Iztapalapans plan everything in advance. The participants need physical and mental training. As a matter of fact, the man who represents Jesus must be a local, born in the area, and a man of faith. The prep begins 6 months before Semana Santa, and the actors are obliged to carry 200 lb crosses, some barefeet.

Crowds gather for the Procession. It's Thursday, the ritual will take about two days. They play the Last Supper, Judas' betrayal, the Crucifixion, and the reenactment ends with Judas hanging from a tree.

I've heard on the news that a crowd of 4 million believers attend the event. By far, the largest event in Mexico City, and maybe one of the most impressive gatherings of catholics in the world.

Well, that's it for today. Let me know what you think about the article at officialmexicoguide@gmail.com

P.S. I'll post a video so that you get a chance to take a look at this Mexico tradition.