The Balmaseda Children's Living Passion, an event that attracts numerous participants each year, has introduced a new registration system this year. The change aims to prevent the long queues and extensive waiting times experienced in previous editions, with organizers seeking to optimize the process and ensure fairness for all participants.
This past Monday, numbered tickets were distributed from 15:00 hours at the fountains in San Severino square, specifically on the upper steps. With these tickets, interested individuals were then directed to the portico of the town hall building to register from 16:30 hours. The organization called people according to the established numbering on the “personal and non-transferable” tickets, and if a person was not present, the next in line was called. This system was expected to significantly reduce waiting times.
We know that this new method may not please everyone, but we believe it is the best way to guarantee equal opportunities and fair organization, in addition to avoiding having to spend the night in the square.
Organizers also noted that certain roles, “especially those requiring specific skills,” may be assigned directly. The name of the protagonist who will portray Jesus Christ this year has also been announced: Mario Fernández Andueza. His second surname will be familiar to those who followed last week's Living Passion, as his mother, Johanna Andueza, played Mary Magdalene.
The Children's Living Passion will commence on Friday at 17:30 hours, when the Roman guard begins its march from the Gaztetxoko. At 21:30 hours, in San Severino square, the Last Supper, the Prayer in the Garden of Olives, the arrest of Jesus, and his trial before the high priests of the Sanhedrin will be re-enacted. On Saturday, the Living Passion will resume at 10:30 hours with the Roman guard's parade, preceding the hanging of Judas and the trial before Pontius Pilate in San Severino square. This will be followed by the itinerary through the historic quarter, which typically includes a stop for refreshments around San Juan square and the crucifixion behind the town hall.
The events of Balmaseda's Holy Week will conclude on Sunday, which will also be the last day to view the exhibition of photographs of the Living Passion through different eras, housed in the Horcasitas palace. The exhibition will close on Tuesday and remain open from 11:00 to 14:00 hours for the rest of the week.
Furthermore, until April 15, photographs can be submitted for the eleventh Javier Santa Coloma memorial photography contest. Each participant may send up to four original and unpublished works to fotograficoviacrucisbalmaseda@gmail.com. The jury, comprising a professional photographer, a representative from the Faculty of Fine Arts of the EHU, a representative from the Balmaseda Town Council, a representative from the Santa Coloma family, and two from the Balmaseda Living Way of the Cross Association, will announce its verdict on April 20. The awards ceremony will take place four days later, at 20:00 hours.
