Friday 14th April.
I'd never really paid much attention to the various events taking place over the Easter weekend; it was always the time when house and land maintenance needed to be in full swing prior to the hot weather arriving. This year however, it was different and a decicion was made to experience what has been described as one of the best representations of Christ's Passion and Death, "El Paso".
Dropping off Nell, my Border Collie, with friends we set off to find Riogordo, the Spanish village where the "El Paso", re-enactment takes place.
We first of all had to negotiate a traffic jam; we couldn't see the goats for the sheep! Stopping the car and sitting awhile whilst the shepherd guided his large herd up the hill, we experienced a real life drama as one of the kids fell into a deep water tank. We watched as the shepherd used his crook to hook the head of the kid and drag it to the edge where he was able to lift if out.
Dropping off Nell, my Border Collie, with friends we set off to find Riogordo, the Spanish village where the "El Paso", re-enactment takes place.
We first of all had to negotiate a traffic jam; we couldn't see the goats for the sheep! Stopping the car and sitting awhile whilst the shepherd guided his large herd up the hill, we experienced a real life drama as one of the kids fell into a deep water tank. We watched as the shepherd used his crook to hook the head of the kid and drag it to the edge where he was able to lift if out.
A slight delay and then we were off again and heading towards Riogordo. The village was formerly an Arab village, notable today for its white houses and the layout of its steep streets. Not sure exactly to where we should be headed, we drove into the village and towards the centre. Bars and restaurants adjacent to the streets were overflowing with folk eating and drinking. The place was alive and hummed with the noise of people talking, singing and having fun. We were anxious to join in. It was a lovely feeling to make our way through the joyful crowds and anticipate what was to come.
We arrived early to get our bearings and after finding a parking place in the lower part of the village, started to make our way up steep streets towards the stadium. On the road we noticed spots of red paint, eventually realising that they represented drops of blood and were a guide to our ultimate destination. I guess also the presence of numerous stalls lining the roads was another indication of the route to follow!
‘El Paso’ is the representation of the Passion of the Christ. It has been celebrated for 57 years. It's an important time in Riogordo as some 400 villagers take part in this spectacle on Good Friday and Easter Saturday each year. The scenario takes place on a hillside on one of the higher parts of the village. Seating is provided for up to 6,000 people in the outdoor sports stadium which is slightly below and adjacent to the area where the spectacle takes place.
We had come prepared with plenty of water and sun cream. Although the performance didn't start until 16.30, there was still plenty of strength in the sun. Some enterprising stall holders were making a roaring trade selling small umbrellas which fitted onto heads; they made a colourful display in the audience.
Locals, whose propeties overlooked the sports centre started to organise themselves at windows afforded excellent views.
‘El Paso’ is the representation of the Passion of the Christ. It has been celebrated for 57 years. It's an important time in Riogordo as some 400 villagers take part in this spectacle on Good Friday and Easter Saturday each year. The scenario takes place on a hillside on one of the higher parts of the village. Seating is provided for up to 6,000 people in the outdoor sports stadium which is slightly below and adjacent to the area where the spectacle takes place.
We had come prepared with plenty of water and sun cream. Although the performance didn't start until 16.30, there was still plenty of strength in the sun. Some enterprising stall holders were making a roaring trade selling small umbrellas which fitted onto heads; they made a colourful display in the audience.
Locals, whose propeties overlooked the sports centre started to organise themselves at windows afforded excellent views.
We selected some seats which gave us clear views of each of the venues where the main themes would be played out. I saw a man dressed in clothes of the era and zoomed in with my camera to take a photo. I hoped that it didn't represent the standard of attention to detail for the main even as he was wearing glasses!
After he had disappeared, the cast started to make their entry. It was so colourful and evocative as the band of soldiers thumped their drums. Music filled the arena and the atmosphere became charged with anticipation.
After he had disappeared, the cast started to make their entry. It was so colourful and evocative as the band of soldiers thumped their drums. Music filled the arena and the atmosphere became charged with anticipation.
To explain the various scenes enacted, I have used the titles of the scenes contained in the official event programme. I assume most people will know some of the stories and what the photos are showing. If not, then I guess there's a need to read up more to understand if clarification is needed!
1. The first scene depictes the Sacrifice of Isaac (son of Abraham).
1. The first scene depictes the Sacrifice of Isaac (son of Abraham).
2. The second scene illustrates the meeting between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well.
3. Next comes the Sermon on the Mount and choosing of the 12 disciples.
4. The fourth scene tells the story of the repentance of Mary Magdalen.
5. The story of the Centurion is next to be enacted,
6. The next enactment is the Cure of the Blind Man.
7. The triumphal entrance into Jerusalem.
8. Last moments with his mother.
It was at this point, a sense of drama in the arena was lightened. A local dog wandered onto the set and started to investigate the palace of Pontius Pilate! I waited to see if he decided to leave his mark as he sniffed around the seats and ventured behind a curtain. In the end though, he simply walked off up the hill, quite unconcerned about his entrance! A lovely moment.
9. The last supper.
10. Judas betrays his Lord.
11. The agony in the Garden.
12. The trial before Pontius Pilate, Anas, Caifas and Herod.
13. Carrying of the cross.
16. Jesus dies on the cross