The events leading to Jesus' death have been remembered in Popayan, Colombia for more than 450 years with processions featuring "pasos", decorated with saints and other religious figures in Popayan's historic area.
Published On 13 Apr 200913 Apr 2009
The Statue of Mary Magdalene is carried by the 8 "cargueros" or carriers, a designation considered a great honor in local culture.
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Popoyan families take a very active role in the processions. Each family is responsible for decorating a paso. Here, Carlos Reinaldo Lopez and his family prepare the Virgin of Loneliness.
The responsability of decorating is handed down through each generation. Emma Fernandez Ibarra stands near the “Dolorosa”, whom her family have been taking care of for more than 70 years.
King Phillip II of spain saw these processions as a form of catechism for the native peoples of the region, part of his determination to convert all natives to Catholicism.
The Colombian Air Force Band, one of many groups that perform in the Holy Week proceedings that mark each day from Good Tuesday through Resurrection Saturday.
The following morning, a paso representing Judas' Kiss is carried away to be dismantled until next year's celebrations.
