There’s no written history of the annual Easter passion play in San Martin de Las Flores but the proud residents of this sedate Guadalajara suburb claim the tradition is at least 200 years old.
The reenactment of the last days of Jesus takes place on the main streets of San Martin on Easter Thursday and Good Friday. Visitors come from the United States and even further afield just to see San Martin’s acclaimed judea that locals boast is second only in size to the grand Ixtapalapa pageant in Mexico City.
Locals organize in February and practice five days a week. Some even take part because of mandas (promises made in a plea for divine intervention they say have been fulfilled).
The judea starts on Holy Thursday (April 13) in the afternoon and continues on Good Friday (April 14) at noon. If you go on Friday arrive early because crowds can be large. Take plenty of water, sunblock, a hat and wear comfortable shoes.