The Easter story will come to life during the traditional processions, pageants and religious observances taking place over the coming three days in lakeside communities.
The Semana Santa (Holy Week) calendar given here will guide you to activities scheduled in Chapala, San Antonio and Ajijic. Consult local churches and neighbors for programs in San Juan Cosala, Jocotepec and other locales.
Be aware that listed starting times are flexible and spectators often assemble an hour or more in advance to gain the best viewing spots. Those attending are advised to wear light-weight clothing, hats and sturdy walking shoes, apply sun screen and carry water. Motorists can expect traffic back-ups when and where events are underway.
March 24
Maundy Thursday
Jueves Santo is marked by religious services commemorating the Last Supper. Afterwards, church bells and musical instruments are silenced inside all churches until the conclusion of Saturday’s Easter Vigil.
Chapala: Visit to the Seven Temples, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., leaving from San Francisco parish for stops at the Santa Teresa, Carmen, Sagrada Corazón, Refugio, San Miguel and Lourdes chapels. Cena del Señor (Last Supper) services are held at San Francisco, Carmen, and Refugio, 5 p.m.
San Antonio: Following evening service at the village parish, 7 p.m., the Passion Play opens on stage at the Cuauhtemoc school across the street, 8:30 p.m., with scenes of the Last Supper, Garden of Gethsemane, arrest and trial of Jesus, with live music by the CREM Orchestra.
Ajijic: Celebration of the Last Supper during evening Mass at the San Andres church, 7 p.m., with scene of Jesus washing his disciples feet. Passion Play episodes of the Garden of Gethsemane, Christ’s final teachings to his Disciples, his apprehension by Pharisees and soldiers staged on mountainside lot at the top of Calle El Tempisque, 9 p.m. Followed by a torch-light march to the plaza via Emiliano Zapata and Colon for scenes of the Judgment by the Sanhedrin.
March 25
Good Friday
Viernes Santo events climax with reenactments of the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross), Crucifixion and Christ’s burial. Following somber evening church services, mourners join La Marcha de Silencio, a chilling procession through darkened streets that is silent except for the sound of shuffling feet and chains dragged along the ground.
Chapala: The Via Crucis Viviente, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., starts at the San Francisco atrium, with scenes of the Last Supper through the Trial of Jesus, followed by the march to Calvary and enactment of the Crucifixion. Celebration of the Passion of Christ, 4 p.m., held at San Francisco, Carmen and Refugio. The Marcha de Silencio leaves all three locations, 8 p.m., followed by Rosary of Condolence and Reflection on the Last Words from the Cross.
San Antonio: The Passion Play picks up again, 12:30 p.m., with the Way of the Cross starting at the east end of town, Calle Ramon Corona at Arroyo Hondo, running straight across to the Crucifixion site. Afterwards the body of Christ is carried the church atrium to be laid to rest in his tomb. Passion of Christ service is held at the church, 5 p.m. The Marcha de Silencio departs the parish 9 p.m., winding through town past the Four Crosses and returning to the church for the Rosary of Sorrows, 10 p.m.
Ajijic: The Pasión de Cristo program picks up again in the San Andres atrium, 11 a.m., with scenes of Christ facing judgment and condemnation before Pontius Pilate and Herod, and flagellation by Roman soliders, played out on rotating scenic backdrops. The Via Crucis follows, with performers and spectators accompanying Jesus as he bears a heavy wooden cross to the Crucifixion site, taking Calles Parroquia-Hidalgo, Juarez, Angel Flores and Tempisque to the same spot of Thursday night’s sequences. Afterwards, the Disciples carry Christ’s body back to the center of town for a burial scene inside the church. Liturgy of the Passion and the Rosary of Sorrows at the San Andrés atrium, beginning 7 p.m. The Marcha de Silencio leaves there, 9 p.m.
March 26
Holy Saturday
Chapala: Solemn Easter Vigil services at San Francisco, Carmen and Refugio start at 9 p.m. Burning of Judas figures outside city hall around 11 p.m.
San Antonio: Blessing of the New Fire ceremony starts at the waterfront Malecón, 9 p.m. Vigilia Pascual at the church, 10 p.m., includes Via Crucis players reenacting the Resurrection.
Ajijic: Solemn Easter Vigil service, 8 to 10 p.m., San Andres atrium, with Passion Play cast principals appearing in the Resurrection scene. The Quema de Judas follows around 11 p.m. at the plaza.
March 31
Easter Sunday
Domingo de Gloria services scheduled and all local churches throughout the day.