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Ecuador Relives Christ's Passion in 'Semana Santa' Procession
IN PICTURES: Thousands of religious devotees filled the streets of Ecuador's capital in a final public display of faith and devotion before Easter Sunday.

Thousands of Ecuadoreans paraded through the streets of Quito's Historic Center on Friday in a final act of penance on the penultimate day of Lent.

Remembering 'the passion of Christ,' religious devotees paraded barefoot and chained in a public demonstration of faith, reliving the Way of the Cross and begging for their prayers to be heard.

The religious ceremony, first introduced to Quito by Spanish colonials, continues to be honored annually on Good Friday. 

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Thousands of Ecuadoreans paraded through the streets of Quito’s Historic Center on Friday in a final act of penance on the penultimate day of Lent .
Thousands of Ecuadoreans paraded through the streets of Quito’s Historic Center on Friday in a final act of penance on the penultimate day of Lent . Photo:Monica Sabella
A vendor sells 'Cucurucho' souvenirs in the streets of Quito's historic center on Good Friday.
A vendor sells 'Cucurucho' souvenirs in the streets of Quito's historic center on Good Friday. Photo:Monica Sabella
Hidden behind the veil of purple, Christians honor an age-old tradition which dates back to medieval Spain.
Hidden behind the veil of purple, Christians honor an age-old tradition which dates back to medieval Spain. Photo:Monica Sabella
Dressed in a robe and crown of thorns, the Companions of the All Powerful Jesus (Jesús del Gran Poder) followed Christ’s footsteps, taking up their crosses and carrying them down the ancient cobbled streets and up the steep hills.
Dressed in a robe and crown of thorns, the Companions of the All Powerful Jesus (Jesús del Gran Poder) followed Christ’s footsteps, taking up their crosses and carrying them down the ancient cobbled streets and up the steep hills. Photo:Monica Sabella
The tunic, meant to resemble the robe Christ wore on his way to the cross, is paired with a bonnet which can stand up to 50 cm high. It recalls ancient practices in which penitents would don the coned cap as public penance.
The tunic, meant to resemble the robe Christ wore on his way to the cross, is paired with a bonnet which can stand up to 50 cm high. It recalls ancient practices in which penitents would don the coned cap as public penance. Photo:Monica Sabella
Reliving the passion, many participants carry maces while flogging themselves with branches. Others take their public penance a step further, tying cacti to their backs or wrapping their bodies in barbed wire.
Reliving the passion, many participants carry maces while flogging themselves with branches. Others take their public penance a step further, tying cacti to their backs or wrapping their bodies in barbed wire. Photo:Monica Sabella
Devotees sign up months in advance to be one of the hundreds actively involved in the procession every Good Friday, mentally and spiritually preparing themselves for the moment they carry their cross.
Devotees sign up months in advance to be one of the hundreds actively involved in the procession every Good Friday, mentally and spiritually preparing themselves for the moment they carry their cross. Photo:Monica Sabella
Amid the waves of purple are 'Veronicas' holding aloft images of Jesus.
Amid the waves of purple are 'Veronicas' holding aloft images of Jesus. Photo:Monica Sabella
The meaning of the event has changed over the years. Once, the cone was worn as an act of penance for sins. Now it has become a way for devotees to ask for intercession, show their gratitude for blessings, and ask for favors.
The meaning of the event has changed over the years. Once, the cone was worn as an act of penance for sins. Now it has become a way for devotees to ask for intercession, show their gratitude for blessings, and ask for favors. Photo:Monica Sabella
Differently colored Cucuruchos often make an appearance during the Good Friday processions, including red, brown, green and blue. Each color scheme has its own significance.
Differently colored Cucuruchos often make an appearance during the Good Friday processions, including red, brown, green and blue. Each color scheme has its own significance. Photo:Monica Sabella
In the past, participants were often ridiculed, but over the centuries attitudes have changed. Many now view the opportunity as an honor and a privilege.
In the past, participants were often ridiculed, but over the centuries attitudes have changed. Many now view the opportunity as an honor and a privilege. Photo:Monica Sabella
The religious ceremony, first introduced to Quito by Spanish colonials, continues to be honored annually on Good Friday. 
The religious ceremony, first introduced to Quito by Spanish colonials, continues to be honored annually on Good Friday.  Photo:Monica Sabella
Published 30 March 2018
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