Giant Effigy of Judas Iscariot Burnt in Mexico City Ends Holy Week Celebrations The Telegraph
go to original March 31, 2013

The Burning of Judas is an Easter-time ritual in many communities, where an effigy of Judas Iscariot is hanged on Good Friday, then burned on Easter Sunday. (telegraphtv)

After a week of sombre remembrance, the people of Santa Rosa de Xochiac ended holy week celebrations by witnessing the burning of a giant fantastical creature representing Judas Iscariot.

Hundreds of residents of the small suburb nestled on the western edge of Mexico City came together at the town's church to witness the burning of Judas effigies.

The crowd burst into cheers as the first reed-and-paper devil-like figure started swirling as it was illuminated by the explosions of multi-coloured fireworks.

According to Christian faithful, Jesus Christ was betrayed by Judas Iscariot, leading to his crucifixion on Good Friday, before he rose from the dead on Easter Sunday.

The working-class suburb has been holding the burning of the "shimos", as the creatures are known, for at least 30 years.

Read the rest at The Telegraph

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