Holy Week of the Yaquis in Hermosillo

    The traditions of Lent and Holy Week are among the most important for the indigenous peoples of Sonora, who have managed to preserve elements of their worldview and religiosity from before the arrival of missionaries. These traditions were enriched by the teachings of the religious orders, where rituals and ceremonies related to the passion and death of Christ are particularly prominent.

    The city of Hermosillo, the former Presidio del Pitic, has relied on the work and effort of members of the Yaqui Tribe since its beginnings. For more than three hundred years, they have lived in this city, preserving their festive religious traditions for a long time in various Yaqui neighborhoods, such as El Coloso and La Matanza, among others. We can say that the Yaquis in Hermosillo not only helped in the construction of notable buildings, such as the Cathedral, Government Palace, or the Old Penitentiary of Hermosillo.

    Currently, in various parts of the city, even before Ash Wednesday, different neighborhoods and ritual groups organize themselves to carry out ceremonies where an army representing evil prepares its uniform and wooden weapons to pursue Jesus. Each person who participates as a Pharisee has made a promise to fulfill this sacrifice, and accompanied by a godfather and godmother, presents themselves at the church to ask to be accepted into this tradition.