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Photography - Places: Mexico - Semana Santa

Real de Catorce, Mexico, a village and a celebration.

Horses graze near three large crosses where villagers depict the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday.
   
Located in the state of San Luis Potosi high in the Sierra Madre, Real de Catorce was founded in the 1700s to support the nearby silver mines. During the Semana Santa, or Holy Week before Easter, the entire town becomes a stage for the Passion Play that lasts several days.
   
Early morning in the village.
     
  
Tourists make the journey up the winding mountain road to get to Real de Catorce.
   
A mariachi band takes a break.
  
A girl waits for her family.
     
  
A Roman guard keeps watch from the prison where Jesus is held until his trial. Dozens of actors play parts in the play and remain in charater over the course of several days.
   
After the trial, Jesus is led by guards to be addressed by Pontius Pilate before being sentenced to death on the cross.
   
Spectators of all ages watch the Passion Play as it winds through the village. The faithful come from all over Mexico and Latin America to see the play and celebrate the Semana Santa or Holy Week.
     
  
Under a blazing sun, Jesus watches as guards tie him to the cross in preparation for the crucifixion. In some parts of the world the actor is actually nailed to the cross during the play.
   
A villager gathers rope as Jesus hangs on the cross.
  
Roman guards are joined by a spectator above the tomb of Jesus during the enactment of the Resurrection in the Palenque, the town's historic stone arena.
     
  
After the Resurrection, the village priest leads a procession from the Palenque to the church of St. Francis de Asisi for a candle light vigil and mass.
   
After a week of celebration and worship, the moon rises over the mountains of the Sierra Madre and the church of St Francis de Asisi.