The three-day event recreates the trial, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. The commemoration has been a tradition in San Martin for 200 years, although it was interrupted by the anti-clerical movement of the early 1900s.
Attendance at the Passion Play grows each year. Past crowds have reached 100,000, making the pageant the second biggest after the one in Iztapalapa (in Mexico City). The event attracts visitors from all over Mexico, the United States, Europe and Asia.
About 35 young people from the town of San Martin take the leading roles while another 120 make up the supporting cast.The pageant begins Thursday, April 5, 5 p.m. as Christ is led to the main plaza, Mary Magdalene washes his feet, and the Last Supper is staged.
Beginning at noon on Good Friday (April 6), the group enacts the trial before Pilate, Jesus’ flagellation, and the fitting of the crown of thorns, accompanying Jesus as he climbs the hill to be crucified, a climb not for the faint-hearted - the slope is 45 degrees for a kilometer. Saturday celebrates the resurrection. At noon, Jesus leads the procession back to the heart of the city. In the plaza, the festival includes food and dancing.
Getting to San Martin from Guadalajara: Take Calzada Lazaro Cardenas to the highway to Chapala and exit there. Go south to the city beltway (Periferico) and take it east (left turn) to San Martin de Las Flores. This beltway takes you directly to San Martin, and eventually becomes Avenida Cinco de Mayo. Take this avenue to Independencia, which is also 16 de Septiembre. This will lead you directly to the town’s center. The play and procession begin here. Getting there from Chapala: Take the highway to the Guadalajara beltway (Periferico) and continue east (right turn) to San Martin de Las Flores. Follow directions listed above.