08.11.2026 15:55
In Mexico’s Jalisco state, during a traditional Easter performance reenacting the crucifixion of Jesus, the actor tied to the cross fell to the ground because he was not tied securely. The moments, watched by thousands of people, were recorded with cell phones. It was reported that the actor, who was treated at the scene, was in good condition, and the actor soon climbed back onto the cross with a ladder.
During the traditional “Judea” performance held in Mexico as part of Holy Week, a frightening accident occurred in the crucifixion scene. Footage of the performer falling from the cross once again became a topic on social media.
HE FOUND HIMSELF ON THE GROUND WHILE THE CROSS WAS BEING RAISED
The incident occurred on Good Friday in the San Martin de las Flores area of Tlaquepaque, in the state of Jalisco. In the crucifixion scene staged on Cerro de la Cruz (Hill of the Cross) in the area, the wooden cross to which the performer was tied began to be raised with ropes by performers dressed as Roman soldiers. At that moment, the performer, who was not tied securely to the cross, slipped and fell to the ground.
According to reports in the local press, the cross made a sudden movement while being maneuvered with ropes. The events were recorded second by second by spectators’ mobile phone cameras.
HE WENT BACK UP ON THE CROSS AFTER TREATMENT
After the accident, the performance was stopped for a few minutes. The performer received on-site treatment from crew members and medical teams waiting in the area. The performer, whose condition was reported to be stable and who was not in life-threatening danger, soon climbed back onto the cross with the help of a ladder. The performance then continued from where it had left off.
Mexican media carried differing information as to whether the performer who fell was portraying Jesus or Gestas, one of the thieves crucified alongside him.
A 232-YEAR-OLD TRADITION
The performance held in San Martin de las Flores and called “Judea” by local people was staged this year for the 232nd time. The performance, which reenacts the last days, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus, continues throughout Holy Week before Easter. The event opens with a ceremonial procession beginning on Palm Sunday. At 3:00 p.m. on Good Friday, the death of Jesus is reenacted.
According to the local press, the performance, known as “Mexico’s oldest Judea,” was watched by approximately 250,000 people over two days this year. The municipality took special precautions for the event with more than 400 security and civil defense personnel.
A WIDESPREAD EASTER TRADITION IN MEXICO
The reenactments known as “Viacrucis” or “Pasion de Cristo” are held in hundreds of areas in Latin America, where the Catholic population is concentrated, especially in Mexico. The largest of these performances has been staged since 1843 in the Iztapalapa area of the capital, Mexico City. In the performance in Iztapalapa, the performer portraying Jesus is actually tied to the cross and remains on it for about 20 minutes.
SAFETY DEBATE BACK ON THE AGENDA
The footage reignited the debate over safety measures in such live performances. Similar accidents have occurred in Mexico before. In 2023, in Armeria, Colima state, Pedro Carrillo Chavez, who was portraying Jesus, fell to the ground when the step he was bracing his feet against came loose while the cross was being raised, and he was taken to hospital. This year too, in Xonacatlan in the State of Mexico, a 26-year-old performer portraying Jesus was pushed and fell to the ground during the performance and was injured.