The journey of twelve images of Christ through the streets of the town of Izalco, in El Salvador, is one of the most solemn Holy Week processions in Central America; one, furthermore, that lasts 18 hours and ends on Good Friday.
According to the Izalqueños, the procession of Los Cristos is the union between indigenous roots and Christianity. Each of the twelve brotherhoods carries a Christ, decorated with coyol flowers or coconut flowers. In addition to the litters with Jesus the Nazarene, the Sorrowful Virgin, Saint John, Mary Magdalene and Veronica, each one with their garden and their tunics.
Some 1,400 bearers participated in the procession this Good Friday, including incense burners, bearers of Jesus of the Nazareth, Mary and Saint John, and members of the band. The event attracted thousands of fans and tourists.
Before starting the procession, the bearers observed a minute of silence with which they remembered the recently deceased brothers. Then, they prayed the Lord's Prayer, a prayer taught by Jesus to his disciples, according to the gospels of Matthew and Luke. And after praying, the whistles and drums sounded, starting the procession.
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“I have been part of this tradition for 60 years. My father instilled it in me and I do the same with my children. I am happy to see the fervor with which our traditions are maintained,” he told the Voice of America Dora Mendez.
This centuries-old tradition is one of the most representative within the framework of Holy Week in El Salvador. According to the locals, this liturgy unites the native peoples and the Catholic church to carry the twelve images.
Piety is the reflection of Izalqueños for this Holy Week. In addition to thanking God for the favors received.
The brotherhoods that participate in the procession are those of Santa Bárbara, Virgen de Belén, Nuestra Señora de los Dolores, San Juan Bautista, Virgen de Los Remedios, San Sebastián, San Gregorio Magno, Santa Teresa de Jesús, Santa Lucía, Santa Rosa de Lima, San Nicolás de Tolentino and San Nicolasito.
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