The Easter story will come to life during the traditional processions, pageants and religious observances taking place over the coming week in lakeside communities.
The listing of Semana Santa (Holy Week) programs given below will guide you to activities scheduled in Chapala, San Antonio and Ajijic. Consult local churches and neighbors for programs in San Juan Cosalá, Jocotepec and other locales.
Be aware that starting times can be flexible and spectators often assemble an hour or more in advance to gain the best viewing spots. People choosing to attend are advised to wear lightweight clothing, hats and sturdy walking shoes, apply sun screen and carry drinking water. Motorists can expect traffic back-ups when and where events are underway.
March 25 - Domingo de Ramos (Palm Sunday)
Processions and church services commemorate Jesus Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Pilgrims carry herbal bouquets or woven palm frond figures sold by street vendors
Chapala: Blessing of palms and procession start outside the municipal coliseum, north end of Avenida Madero, 8 a.m., continuing to the San Francisco church atrium for celebration of Mass, 9 a.m.
San Antonio: Procession leaves the Unidad Deportiva sports complex at the west end of Ramon Corona, 1:15 p.m., arriving at the San Antonio parish for Mass, 2 p.m.
Ajijic: The Pasión de Cristo group hosts the Jamaica del Pasado, an old-fashioned village fair at the plaza, 4 to 11 p.m., with stands selling traditional foods and beverages. Blessing of Palms at Seis Esquinas, Hidalgo at Alvaro Obregon, 6:30 p.m., followed by the procession along Hidalgo-Parroquia to the San Andres parish atrium for Mass, 7 p.m.
March 29 – Jueves Santo (Maundy Thursday)
The day is marked by commemorations of the Last Supper. 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 six other churches around town; Cena del Señor (Last Supper) service at the parish, 5 p.m.
San Antonio: Last Supper service in the church atrium, 7 p.m.; Passion Play sequences cancelled this year.
Ajijic: Celebration of the Eucharist, San Andres church, 7 p.m. Passion Play episodes start with Last Supper, Seis Esquinas, 8:20 p.m.; continuing with prayers in the Garden of Gethsemane and apprehension of Jesus, mountainside at the top of El Tempisque; and torch-light march to the plaza for the Judgment by the Sanhedrin.
March 30 – Viernes Santo (Good Friday)
Observances feature 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 with scenes at the San Francisco atrium, followed by the march to Calvary and enactment of the Crucifixion. Celebration of the Passion of Christ, held at San Francisco, Carmen and Refugio churches, 4 p.m. 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: Via Crucis Viviente starts from Calle Ramón Corona at Arroyo Hondo, 12:30 p.m., running west across town to San José, turning north to cross the highway towards the Crucifixion site above the village cemetery. 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: Pasión de Cristo scenes of Christ facing judgment before Pontius Pilate and Herod, San Andrés atrium, 11 a.m., followed by the March to Golgota for Crucifixion viaParroquia-Hidalgo, Juarez, Angel Flores and Tempisque. Afterwards, the Disciples carry Christ’s body back to the church for a burial scene. Liturgy of the Passion and the Rosary of Sorrows, San Andrés atrium, 7 p.m. The Marcha de Silencio leaves there, 9 p.m.
March 31 - Sábado Santo (Holy Saturday)
Chapala: Solemn Easter Vigil services at San Francisco, Carmen and Refugio churches, 9 p.m.; burning of Judas effigies outside city hall around 11 p.m.
San Antonio: Blessing of the New Fire ceremony, waterfront Malecón, 9 p.m.; Vigilia Pascual at the church, 10 p.m
Ajijic: Easter Vigil service at San Andrés atrium, 8 p.m., culiminating with the Resurrection scene. Quema de Judas follow at the plaza around 11 p.m.
April 1 - Domingo de Gloria (Easter Sunday)
Easter celebration services are held at all local churches throughout the day.