As every year, the residents of the Colonia Castañas, zone 11 of Villa Nuevathey celebrated this Gloria Saturday The traditional Burning of Judasone of the most representative manifestations of the Holy Week in Guatemala.
From early hours, dozens of families gathered to participate in this custom that mixes Religios, social criticism and popular expression.
The main activity consisted of burning a doll that represents Judas Iscariotsymbol of betrayal towards Jesus Christ, accompanied by music, dances and the reading of a testament loaded with satire and irony.
A tradition with 24 years of family history
Gabriel Alvarado, organizer of the event, shared that his family has kept this tradition alive for more than two decades.
“This year, in addition to the burning of Judas, we have music and the presentation of the fierces of zone 12, who are supporting us with the dance”He said.
For weeks before the event, the organizers meet to prepare the details of the doll and write the Judas willa text that usually includes humorous criticism to local figures or current situations, and that reads out loud before the character’s incineration.
A popular manifestation rooted
In various points of the Guatemala Citysimilar activities have been reported. The Burning of Judas It has become one of the most anticipated expressions of Holy Week, together with the processions, sawdusts of sawdusts and Burning of the devil In December.
“It is because of the tradition that we come to see how they make and burn to Judas. It is beautiful to bring the family, see music, people. It is already part of our custom,” said Hugo Carazo, one of the attendees.
The Judas Testament
One of the most anticipated moments of the event was the reading of the Judas willa piece full of humor, social criticism and satire, faithful to this popular tradition. In this edition, the doll left symbolic “inheritances” to different characters and entities in the sector.
To the collaborators of a Chicken factoryhe inherited “his stuffed animals” so that “they look more cool”, and the men of that same trade, their cigarettes. To the workers of A heavy transport spare parts companythey bequeathed their pants “so that they look more cool”, while those of workers of a vehicle accessory tradehe left his wig “so that more colochos are seen.”
There were also space for messages aimed at public figures: to President of Guatemalahe asked him to “have more eggs to combat crime” and attend the so -called citizen.
To the Chestnut crocodeshe left their “disappointments”, claiming lack of action in the face of security and coexistence problems, such as neighbors who allow their dogs to do their needs without cleaning. For them, Judas left “his Palangana.”
To the mediahe offered their tie, inviting them to cover this celebration that, according to the organizers, “is already a tradition.” Finally, transport drivers The emeraldhe left his shoes “so they don’t cause so many accidents.” The testament concluded with the phrase: “Claim Judas, Amen”
Judas’s burning
The Burning of Judas in Guatemala It is an inherited practice of oral tradition. Like many popular customs, it has been transmitted from generation to generation through stories, games, dances and ceremonies. According to the National University of Costa Rica (UNA, 2020), these expressions not only seek to be understood, but also transmit values, beliefs and a worldview of popular culture.
The Judas doll, manufactured with rags or paper, is publicly burned as a symbol of rejection of betrayal and evil, on a day marked by recollection and religious meditation.
The burning of Judas: between the religious and the popular
Although it has religious roots, Judas burning has evolved as a form of Social criticism and collective catharsis. The combination of religious, humorous and holiday elements makes it one of the most anticipated activities by entire communities.
In the case of Villa Nueva, the tradition remains alive thanks to the effort of neighbors such as Gabriel Alvarado, who see in this activity an opportunity for Gather the community, strengthen social ties and preserve customs.
A day of mourning and hope for Catholics
He Holy Saturday It is considered by the Church as a day of silence, reflection and waiting. Mass is not celebrated, nor is it communed, as a sign of mourning for the death of Christ.
In Guatemala, the morning of this day is characterized by the participation of children dressed in black robes that carry images of Yacent chryswhile girls, dressed in white, carry images of the Virgen de la Soledadrepresenting purity and duel.
In the afternoon, it comes out in procession Blessed Mary of Solitudeaccompanied by faithful black dresses that manifest their pain for the death of Jesus. This sadness becomes hope with the arrival of the Easter vigilwhere Catholics celebrate the resurrection of Christ.