(19 Apr 2025)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Atlixco, Mexico – 18 April 2025
1. Various of worshippers throwing cactus at a member of the procession
2. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Omar, penitent:
++STARTS IN PREVIOUS SHOT++
"I was electrocuted while working. I was in a coma for a few days and there was no hope, and that’s why God gave me the miracle of coming back to life, and that’s why I’m now giving thanks for the favour."
3. Various of worshippers helping member of procession put on chain
4. Various of members of the procession marching through the streets of Atlixco
5. Various of members of the procession resting
6. Wide of penitents marching through street
7. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) María del Jesús Arizmendi, Atlixco resident:
++SOUNDBITE STARTS IN SHOT 5++
++SHOT CHANGE FROM SOURCE++
"It’s a penance to see if there is forgiveness from God, and now young people don’t care. They don’t care whether they sin or not. You see few chained men now. Before there were more."
8. Various of members of the procession resting
STORYLINE:
Masked men, in chains and with pieces of cactus stuck to their skin, marched in a religious procession in Atlixco, a city in the centre of Mexico on Good Friday.
The men say they are paying penance for their sins.
They took part in a parade commemorating the last week of the life on earth of Jesus Christ, which culminated in his crucifixion and resurrection.
Barefoot, half naked and blindfolded, the men moan as they drag their bodies along the blazing cobblestone streets.
For the penitents, it’s not a form of torture, but rather a cherished Mexican tradition that has played out for more than 100 years and that is at risk of fading away.
Instead of the close to 100 chained men who used to take part in the parade, known as the "Procession of the Chained," this year there were only 35.
Locals and organizers believe it’s due to the loss of faith among young people, who find the practice too burdensome.
"Young people don’t care whether they sin or not, do what they do," said María de Jesús Arizmendi, a resident of Atlixco.
In a country where nearly 80% of people are Catholic, the faithful still believe this is a way to give thanks or to pay penance for their sins.
Like Omar, a young man who was nearly electrocuted to death and has taken this practice as an annual opportunity to give thanks for another chance at life.
AP Video shot by Fernanda Pesce
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