In the town of Balmaseda, the Magdalena Children's Procession brought together over 300 participants under 14 years old last Saturday, who recreated the Via Crucis of Jesus Christ. This event highlighted the intergenerational connection, where even the youngest, such as one-and-a-half-year-old Gala Pereda, show an early attachment to the tradition.
“"You should have seen her last week in the processions, swaying like the 'costaleros'."
Manuel San Miguel, Gala Pereda's grandfather and a former participant in various roles, stated that in the town, the Living Passion "is lived from birth." He emphasized how quickly children learn the movements and confirmed the authenticity of the injuries he himself sustained. Aitor Sollano, the most recent Jesus Christ, described the experience as unforgettable, despite the effort of carrying an 80-kilogram cross.
Engaged in organizational tasks, Sollano accompanied 13-year-old Mario Fernández Andueza while a natural-looking fake beard was being prepared for him. Luis Pérez, a member of the Magdalena Children's Procession Association, explained that they used "synthetic hair from a braid that we unraveled to place it separately with a special glue."
Despite the unfavorable rain forecast, the procession completed its planned route to the Plaza de los Fueros, pausing at San Juan Square. There, behind the Kultur Etxea, over 200 sandwiches, a hundred 'txoripanes', and hot chocolate were prepared by volunteers from the Magdalena Living Via Crucis Association. The rain intensified just as they resumed their march, but the participants did not give up, reenacting the crucifixion scene at the back of the Town Hall, transformed into Mount Calvary.
The large crowd gathered responded with an ovation at the end, acknowledging the determination of the young participants. The emotional embrace between the protagonist and his mother, Johanna Andueza, who played Mary Magdalene last Good Friday (and prepared today's counterpart, Uxue Puente), was another highlight. This year, a new registration system was introduced to avoid long queues. Luis Pérez noted that "on Monday itself, the Magdalena Children's Procession Association announced through its social networks and with posters the place where numbered tickets could be collected to establish the order for subsequent registration."
It is possible that some will repeat in the Santo Domingo Via Crucis, which begins tonight and extends the age range up to 18 years. The Roman guard will parade through the center of Balmaseda in a 'kalejira' from 7:30 PM, while from 9:30 PM, the Last Supper, the prayer in the Garden of Olives, and the arrest of Jesus will be staged. Tomorrow, the reenactment will resume at 11:00 AM with the hanging of Judas, the trial before Pilate, and the third crucifixion that the town will witness this Holy Week.
