SAN ANTONIO – Thousands of spectators lined the streets of downtown San Antonio for the Good Friday tradition that recreates the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ — the Passion Play.
The procession started on Friday morning at Travis Park, unlike in previous years when it started at Milam Park. The procession led to Main Plaza, where the reenactment of the crucifixion took place in front of San Fernando Cathedral.
The San Antonio Passion Play dates back to 1983, when the wooden cross carried by the actor playing Jesus weighed 150 pounds. A 50-pound cross is used today.
In the Passion Play, Jesus is condemned to death and forced to carry his cross. He falls several times and is stripped of his garments, after which he is nailed to the cross and then his body is taken down after he dies. The crucifixion was depicted in front of San Fernando Cathedral.
The play also depicted Pontius Pilate washing his hands and Mary, Jesus’s mother, holding her son’s body after he is removed from the cross.
Here’s the schedule of events for Good Friday (March 29)
- 9:30 a.m. — Ecumenical Prayer Service at Travis Park (bilingual)
- 10 a.m. — Passion Play Procession begins at Travis Park
- Noon — Passion Procession ends in front of San Fernando Cathedral with a Crucifixion
- 1 p.m. — Siete Palabres with Archbishop Gustavo - The Seven Last Words of Christ
- The traditional Hispanic Good Friday Service follows at 1 p.m. inside San Fernando Cathedral.
- 3 p.m. — Celebration of the Lord’s Passion
- A service of prayer, Holy Communion and Veneration of the Cross inside San Fernando Cathedral.
- 4 p.m. — Reconciliation (confessions) on the Plaza
- 7 p.m. — El Pésame a la Virgen María - The Vigil of the Sorrowful Mother
- A Hispanic tradition, the service symbolizes a funeral vigil, beginning with an outdoor procession around Main Plaza followed by the extending of condolences to the Virgin Mary. The tradition is one of sharing in the grief of the Virgin Mary.
Additional San Fernando Cathedral 2024 Holy Week Services
March 28 - Holy Thursday
- 7 p.m. — Mass of the Last Supper and Washing of the Feet (bilingual)
- After Mass, Adoration until midnight of the Blessed Sacrament at the Altar of Repose in the Plaza de la Cruz.
March 30 - Holy Saturday
- 8:30 p.m. — Easter Vigil
March 31 - Easter Sunday Masses
- 8 a.m. — Mass (Spanish, televised)
- 10 a.m. — Mass (English)
- Noon — Mass (Spanish)
- 2 p.m. — Mass (English)
- 5 p.m. — Mass (Bilingual)