Ruptly
"Thousands of people gathered in Mexico City's Iztapalapa on Good Friday to witness the 183rd annual reenactment of the Passion of Christ. This year's event was special, as it marked the first time the event was recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2025. Footage features dozens of actors portraying biblical passages from the New Testament such as the trial, the Stations of the Cross and the death of Jesus Christ. The crowd accompanied the solemn procession, which began at the Macroplaza of Barrio San Lucas Evangelista church and continued through the eight original neighbourhoods of Iztapalapa, passing through its streets and plazas. The reenactment concluded with the crucifixion scene at the Cerro de la Estrella. Some attendees expressed the motivations that led them to participate in the event, whether as a personal expression of faith or to fulfil personal promises. "I have a promise to ask for my family, for my mother, for my grandmother, and for my uncles, some of whom have this illness, diabetes, so I am praying for them so that my grandparents and everyone will be well," said Hector Mejia, who portrayed the role of a Nazareno. This reenactment is of great importance, not only because of its deep community roots, but also as a reference point for the Catholic faith in Mexico. "It is something that our ancestors left us and that we continue to take up. Right now new generations are carrying it on, so it is something that is not lost because it is instilled in us from childhood," said another attendee. According to local authorities, the event took place without incident and drew more than two million people. The Passion of Christ in Iztapalapa began in 1843, after residents made a promise after suffering from a cholera epidemic. It has since grown into one of the most significant Holy Week celebrations in Latin America."
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