Balmaseda (Bizkaia) (EFE).- Thousands of people have witnessed this Good Friday the theatrical Living Passion of Balmaseda (Bizkaia), in which the last hours of Christ are reproduced with great realism.
On a sunny day with mild temperatures, more than 650 residents have participated in this representation in which the streets of the town are transformed into the scene of a dramatic and emotional Via Crucis and subsequent crucifixion of Jesus.
This year, the 27-year-old physiotherapist, Aitor Martínez, represents this historical Christian figure, just like his father did years ago, as he recalled a few days ago at the presentation of the scenery.
The Living Passion began at 9:30 a.m. in the so-called Campo de Monjas with the trial of Pontius Pilate and the death sentence of Jesus – an act that is attended upon payment of admission – and has continued with the Via Crucis through the historic center .
Along with Christ, numerous residents have also paraded, interpreting biblical characters such as the Virgin Mary, Magdalene, the apostles, as well as Roman soldiers, all of them in very colorful period clothing.
The act has ended with the crucifixion and transfer to the sepulcher.
The procession of Burial and Silence are planned for the afternoon, which are held in an atmosphere of seclusion and with hundreds of attendees carrying lighted candles.
The Balmaseda Living Passion program began on Thursday with another procession and the representation of the Last Supper.
Balmaseda, the first Villa in Bizkaia and founded in 1199, represents the aforementioned Living Passion since the end of the 19th century.
Since then it has been evolving and incorporating new characters although it maintains some steps from that century. The Kolitza choir and the music band also accompany the tour.
In 1974 the “Living Way of the Cross Association of Balmaseda” was created with the aim of preserving, organizing and keeping this tradition alive.