My husband, daughter Isabelle, and I decided to spend Easter in Benque Viejo del Carmen to witness the re-enactment of the Passion and Crucifixion of Jesus. Simultaneously, across the border in Guatemala, similar re-enactments were taking place, however, on a much larger scale.
We arrived on Holy Thursday, the beginning of the Holy Triduum which commemorates the washing of the feet of the apostles and the celebration of the Eucharist. This was followed by a procession to the altar and a vigil until midnight. On our arrival, we heard of the exciting preparations for the creative tapestries made of sawdust that workers would skilfully craft on the main streets of Old Benque, through which the “Santo Entierro” (Jesus’ burial) procession would be re-enacted in the evening of the following day.
On Good Friday, we got up early to witness the drama of Jesus’ trial and Passion. The actors, in clear and convincing voices, began the drama at a home on the boulevard. As the many witnesses viewed the re-enactment, we became in a sense, a part of the drama. A frail Jesus stumbled through the streets recreating the VIA CRUCIS or the VIA DOLOROSA (the Way of Grief or Sorrows/Suffering as Jesus walked through Jerusalem to be crucified). At the top of little hill of Mount Carmel Church, three crosses had been erected. At the foot of the hill, we all strained to catch a good view of the unfolding drama that relived Jesus’ and His mother’s pain. Ropes secured, the sun high and blistering amidst jeers from Jesus’ persecutors, the Crucifixion took place.
In the evening, lighted candles in the dusk outlined the “Santo Entierro,” Jesus’ burial procession. The platforms carrying the body of Jesus, Mary, and the Apostle John, were solemnly and mournfully upheld.
Throughout the community, business places and shops closed their doors in homage and respect to the man who has given up His life for us. A deep quiet prevailed throughout the town.
The Triduum culminated with an Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday. Easter Sunday, Jesus’ Resurrection, came with renewed hope of salvation, for which He had given up His life.
For us as a family, it was a reminder of long-held values and traditions of our Catholic faith. But what struck us as even more important, was observing a community coming together working in harmony and love to recreate an event that has survived generations across the globe. If we can work as a community in like fashion for whatever are our worthy causes, or our faith, what a peaceful and productive nation we would be!