A Historical Community Tradition
The Representation of the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ in Iztapalapa, a renowned community enactment that draws thousands of residents and visitors every Holy Week, was officially inscribed on December 10, 2025, in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
This international recognition adds a new dimension to the centuries-old community tradition, now recognized as a living cultural treasure.
Clara Brugada Molina, the Head of Government for Mexico City, celebrated the announcement, calling it an achievement that honors the faith, tradition, and identity of a people. She highlighted that this distinction positions Iztapalapa on the global map of significant community cultural expressions.
Origins and Evolution
The Passion of Christ in Iztapalapa began in 1833, when the community pledged to stage Jesus’ Passion after overcoming a devastating cholera epidemic. The first formal performance took place in 1843.
Since then, the eight original neighborhoods have transformed their streets and plazas into biblical settings, with hundreds of residents participating as actors, artisans, decorators, and organizers. This Good Friday procession has become one of the most important religious and cultural celebrations in the country.
Historical data and cultural records show that this work was previously classified as cultural heritage of Mexico City and Mexican intangible heritage. UNESCO now acknowledges its religious, social, and cultural value, emphasizing that it promotes community cohesion, solidarity, and the preservation of traditional arts and crafts.
UNESCO Recognition Keys
- Cultural and Social Criteria: The UNESCO nomination was successful because the application demonstrated that the Passion of Christ in Iztapalapa is not only a religious manifestation but also a community cultural expression that strengthens the identity, social cohesion, and cultural rights of those who practice and sustain it.
- Community Participation: The role of the community, especially the eight original neighborhoods and the Committee for Holy Week in Iztapalapa A.C. (COSSIAC), was crucial. UNESCO values the active involvement of those who carry the tradition in shaping and safeguarding this living heritage.
- Historical Trajectory: The practice has had over 180 annual performances since the 19th century, establishing itself as an intergenerational tradition that has withstood urban changes, crises, and even the COVID-19 pandemic, reinforcing its character as a living heritage transcending generations.
- Committed Safeguarding: With UNESCO’s recognition, Mexico assumes the responsibility to protect and promote this tradition sustainably. The recognition implies technical, logistical, and community commitments to ensure its continuity in the future.
A Cultural Legacy
The celebration of this recognition extended beyond Iztapalapa: authorities from all levels of government, participants in the representation, and cultural heritage specialists rejoiced that a deeply rooted community tradition in Mexico City was incorporated into UNESCO’s world list of intangible cultural heritage.
With this accomplishment, Mexico adds another element to the list of intangible cultural expressions recognized by UNESCO, alongside other emblematic expressions like mariachi or the Day of the Dead, reinforcing the country’s cultural richness and the importance of preserving traditions that give a sense of identity and belonging to entire communities.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Passion of Christ in Iztapalapa? It’s a centuries-old community tradition that reenacts Jesus’ Passion, Death, and Resurrection every Holy Week, drawing thousands of residents and visitors.
- When did this tradition start? It began in 1833, after the community overcame a cholera epidemic and pledged to stage Jesus’ Passion.
- Why is this tradition significant? It’s a living cultural treasure that strengthens community identity, social cohesion, and cultural rights. UNESCO recognized its religious, social, and cultural value.
- What does UNESCO recognition mean for Iztapalapa? It positions Iztapalapa on the global map of significant community cultural expressions and commits Mexico to protect and promote this tradition sustainably.
