- Title: MEXICO: Mexicans mark Holy Week with traditional procession.
- Date: 12th April 2009
- Summary: TAXCO, GUERRERO (APRIL 9, 2009) (REUTERS) (NIGHT SCENES) CROSS IN THE ATRIUM OF SANTA PRISCA CATHEDRAL EXTERIOR SANTA PRISCA CATHEDRAL VARIOUS OF MEN CARRYING THORNY BRANCHES ON THEIR SHOULDER VARIOUS OF CHRISTS' PROCESSION PEOPLE WATCHING FAITHFUL TAKING PART IN PROCESSION FAITHFUL IN THE PROCESSION (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) LOCAL RESIDENT, ZORAIDA GARCêA, SAYING: "Since I was very young, (the procession) has always left an impact on me. I respect the faithful, who are people that have a lot of conviction in what they' re doing because they carry sorrow or have a special bond with God. Most of us, Mexicans, are Catholics and in these seasons we are brought together. I think it has a lot of meaning, and it's something very rare in our country. I don't know if it's (Easter week) celebrated in the same way in any part of the country." VARIOUS OF FAITHFUL TAKING PART IN CEREMONY FAITHFUL MAKING SIGN OF THE CROSS VARIOUS OF FAITHFUL WALKING IN CHAINS (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) LOCAL RESIDENT, ALEJANDRO ROGEL, SAYING: "What I know is that the flagellation is a way of helping Christ by sharing the suffering Jesus experienced. It's a way of providing comfort (in sharing his suffering), with the fervor we have. This is what we believe." MOON VARIOUS OF FAITHFUL HOLDING CROSS PEOPLE PASSING IN PROCESSION PEOPLE CARRYING FIGURE OF CRUCIFIED JESUS
- Embargoed: 27th April 2009 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Mexico
- Country: Mexico
- Topics: Religion
- Reuters ID: LVAA6J7YBCO88KX7E7OMMR7N5KLO
- Story Text: Mexicans pour into the colonial town of Taxco for the traditional Holy Thursday procession involving repentance and self-flagellation.
The colonial Mexican city of Taxco performed its traditional and highly devotional Procession of the Christs to commemorate Holy Thursday (April 9).
Taxco is located in the southern Mexican state of Guerrero, A picturesque city nestled in the mountains of Guerrero, it's famous for its silver mines and crafts and for commemorating Easter week with some of the most impressive religious rites throughout Mexico.
The procession of Christs represents the high point of the city's weeklong Easter celebrations. Thousands of people visit the town to watch the faithful, who appear dressed in black and with their feet chained.
They also take tours of the steep streets of the city accompanying a figure of Jesus on the cross.
The faithful show their piety by walking with packs of thorny branches on their shoulders and by flagellating themselves in the back with whips that make their back bleed. Others walk barefoot in the stone streets of the city, with their feet in chains, and carry heavy religious objects. The participants devote months of preparation in order to take part in the procession.
They are said to participate to express devotion to Catholic Church, or even to get for consolation over a deep sorrow.
Among residents of Taxco, the faithful are highly respected and Christ's procession is considered a unique example of City's religious devotion and traditions.
"Since I was very young, (the procession) has always left an impact on me. I respect the faithful, who are people that have a lot of conviction in what they' re doing because they carry sorrow or have a special bond with god. Most of us, Mexicans, are Catholics and in these seasons we are brought together. I think it has a lot of meaning, and it's something very rare in our country. I don't know if it's (Easter week) celebrated in the same way in any part of the country," said local resident Zoraida Garcia.
For people participating in the procession self-flagellation is a way to share the pain Jesus is said to have suffered on the cross.
The rite is looked upon as an honor and a way to redeem sins and faults.
"What I know is that the flagellation is a way of helping Christ by sharing the suffering Jesus experienced. It's a way of providing comfort (in sharing his suffering), with the fervor we have. This is what we believe." explained resident Alejandro Rogel.
Processions are held in Taxco during the rest of Easter week commemorating each of chapter of Christ's Passion.
Mexico is considered world's second-largest Catholic nation with 88 percent of its population declaring devotion to the Catholic Church. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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