Iztapalapa's 183-year-old annual Passion Play returns with its new UNESCO World Heritage status
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Published on April 3, 2026.
Mexico City's largest borough, Iztapalapa, held its annual Passion Play for the first time since it won UNESCO recognition as a piece of world cultural heritage. The 183-year-old event is one of the world's largest reenactments of Christ's trial, crucifixion and resurrection. The Holy Week play, now in its 183rd year, draws crowds of up to 2 million people over Good Friday. The designation by UNESCO recognises the event as a living community tradition and highlights nearly two centuries of neighborhood organizing, faith and local identity. The 25-year old man playing Jesus this year is 25, and actress Erika Morales Hernández has stepped up to play the Virgin Mary.
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