Not one person is a professional actor in recreating the passion and death of Christ, but this doesn’t matter. The purpose is to offer all of one’s energy to God, observing the Catholic tradition as closely as possible, with suffering and courage, but above all, with a great deal of enthusiasm and love.
The Passion of Iztapalapa was first performed a long time ago, in the year 1833, when a cholera epidemic laid the region low, and the majority of the population died. Only a few people survived.
In thanks and as an act of faith in the Lord of the Cave, a statue of Christ venerated in this place, the survivors gave the first performance of the Passion of Christ. A few actors began the tradition without costumes or horses and much less stage props, but what was important was being able to offer something to the Savior.
Year after year, intent on improving the presentation, the town’s people began to organize to create costumes in keeping with ancient tradition, representing each of the biblical passages more faithfully, including the tears and suffering.
The main purpose of this presentation is to thank God for saving the community so long ago. However, each participant also has a personal reason for gratitude and is very proud to be able to participate with the rest of town.