Holy Week Together: Pageants and Processions

2024 Good Friday procession in San Salvador, El Salvador

Viernes Santo, Holy Friday, is the day on which Christians remember the suffering and death of Jesus. In old English, this day was often referred to as Long Friday due to the extended period of fasting, prayer, and other acts of penitence and remembrance. 

In El Salvador, walking the way of the cross with public processions through the streets is a long-held tradition, rooted in the Roman Catholic faith. This centuries-old tradition, honored in small hamlets and large cities, continues to be led by Catholic Churches cities and draws participants from the broader faith community, including tourists. Indeed it can be a long Friday. For some of the most elaborate processions, such as the one in Sonsonate, crowds begin to line the streets hours before the procession begins. Along the route, groups set up the stations of the cross while at the church, preparations are made for carrying statues of Mary and Jesus. 

Prior to the procession, penitent individuals seeking forgiveness or healing
walked on their knees toward Calvary. Police escorts ensured their safety.

Centurion taking a moment before the procession.

"Association of the Way of the Cross Calvary Parish"
In San Salvador, the annual procession begins at San Esteban (St. Stephen)
and proceeds to Somasca El Calvario (Calvary)



The third station of the cross: Jesus falls for the first time.
The procession paused at each station for song and prayer.

While Lutheran Churches in El Salvador are not known for processing on Good Friday, they do embrace the cultural practice of processing on other Christian holidays and local church anniversaries. Salvadoran Lutherans are also well-versed in taking to the streets to march to support caring for creation and in opposition to violence and injustice. As Lutheran Churches in a cross-cultural relationship, together we recognize the importance of walking in our communities, calling out injustice and working for justice. As Christians, the processions of Good Friday remind us of the sacrifice Jesus made in doing that work.



Holy Week processions in Milwaukee may come with a bit of sleet or snow,
but always carry a message of faith, peace and love.





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