When you think of Spring break you probably think – college students going all out on a wild week of debauchery in some touristy beach town. But in Mexico, it is also very much tied to the Catholic celebrations during Holy week and Easter.
School is out for two weeks and it is a time to take the whole family out on vacation. Even though the beach is a typical destination, many nationals come to Lakeside, especially to see the main event. Ajijic has had a long-time tradition of re-enacting The Passion of the Christ and is one of the top-3 productions in the country. It began in 1980 and continues to improve and grow year after year, attracting many visitors from around the country to witness this theatrical rendition of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.
The production is composed of around 150 actors and many other volunteers, all local residents. Everything, from the stage props to the costumes, are all hand-made also by the local people. In previous years, the main stages were set in front of the chapel next to the plaza, and also in the atrium in front of the big church. But in the past few years they have changed locations, the last one being at the bullring located next to Plaza Bugambilias.
A favorite part from the whole production are the human statues – actual people painted full in gold playing an unmoving statue for the entirety of the scene, which is something to really admire. But the most anticipated part that folks wait for, is the Via Crucis, when they march thought the streets of Ajijic and up to the hill above Ajijic with the person playing Jesus carrying an actual wooden cross for the crucifixion and the entire entourage following. It’s quite a spectacle, even for people that are not of this faith.
There are announcements circulated on social media and postered around town letting people know of the different acts’ dates, times and locations. For someone who is not Catholic, it is still an interesting and impressive free of charge theatrical production not to be missed.
