This year's edition was not easy, but it proved to be very rewarding for the Durango Passion Play. Susana Alarcón, head of the Juan de Iciar association, highlighted the positive public response. Although Thursday started with only 120 spectators, attendance rose to 200 people on both Friday and Saturday, nearly filling the 260-person capacity venue.
Alarcón admitted that online ticket sales did not have the same momentum as in previous editions, and they had expected a higher initial turnout on Friday. Nevertheless, she was pleased that the audience—mostly local and including new faces experiencing the play for the first time—became more engaged as the performances progressed.
“"More people leave than join. However, I must emphasize that new people are also coming in."
Regarding participation, Alarcón noted that “more people leave than join.” This edition saw the absence of fifteen to twenty local residents who typically participated. While new members have joined, the association is striving to ensure generational continuity and encourage more people to take part in this traditional Holy Week representation.
On the interpretive front, “the level was very good,” leaving the audience “very happy.” Alarcón singled out individuals who carried the dramatic weight of the play, such as Marcos Echarte, whose portrayal of Jesus was once again the emotional core; Ane Gómez as Mary, who, with her colleagues, conveyed the necessary solemnity to move attendees; and Markel Ganboa, who brought Pilate to life with great stage presence.
The weather was a significant factor this Holy Week. The preparatory Wednesday was particularly challenging due to persistent cold and rain. On Thursday, the rain offered a relative reprieve, and by Friday, the weather finally allowed the performance to shine under better conditions.
