The Committee
- Takes note that Mexico has nominated the Representation of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ in Iztapalapa (No. 02237) for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
The Representation of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ in Iztapalapa is a community tradition that brings together local residents in an expression of faith, identity and culture. It began when the community made a promise to hold a procession in gratitude after surviving a cholera epidemic in the nineteenth century. The representation has evolved over time into a significant cultural event that now attracts millions of visitors each year. The celebration begins with community preparations in December, followed by rehearsals and logistical work leading up to the Catholic Holy Week.
- Considers that, from the information included in the file, the nomination satisfies the following criteria for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
R.1: During Holy Week, the bearers perform biblical passages, and the event concludes on 3 May with a cross-blessing ceremony. The central role in organizing the event is played by local residents, who participate in various ways, including as actors and facilitators and by contributing to the decorations. Other local entities, such as authorities, the Catholic Church and merchants, also support the practice. The tradition is transmitted both formally and informally, in particular through an organizing committee that facilitates intergenerational exchange. Beyond its religious roots, the element fosters community cohesion, promotes solidarity, and preserves cultural heritage through its link to traditional arts and crafts.
R.2: The submitting State Party consistently demonstrates that the element transcends religion and constitutes a symbol of cultural vitality, respect and pursuit of the common good. It contributes to the exercise of cultural rights and has a positive impact on peace and social cohesion, by bringing together people from different places of origin and religious affiliations to organize an inclusive event that encourages other expressions of human creativity linked to art and traditional crafts, promoting income-generation for producers. Women's participation is valued, not only in the representation itself but also in decision-making and in carrying out the associated traditions.
R.3: The proposed safeguarding measures are based on a solid legal framework and take into account the goal of developing and improving the conditions of the sites where the representation takes place. A safeguarding plan has been developed based on the strengths, limitations, opportunities and challenges identified by the community. The proposed measures have the support of three levels of government and are focused on: (a) creating a safety plan; (b) strengthening community organization; (c) preserving the historical collection related to the element; (d) disseminating the element; and (e) promoting sustainability and environmental conservation and education.
R.4: The nomination process began in 2008, continued with the recognition of the element as an element of intangible cultural heritage at the local and national levels, and finally progressed with the establishment of a cultural commission to prepare the nomination file. This commission, composed of community representatives and members of the event-organizing committee, conducted field research and studied and systematized the documentation related to the element. A workshop was conducted to explain the participatory process required to obtain the registration, through community assemblies. Within the framework of these assemblies, free, prior and informed consent was obtained.
R.5: The element was included in the Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2023. Managed by the General Directorate of Popular, Indigenous and Urban Cultures of the Ministry of Culture, this inventory underwent a methodological review in 2021 in order to strengthen community self-governance capacities for the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage. Currently, the National Commission for Intangible Cultural Heritage is seeking appropriate strategies to update existing records based on the new methodology.
- Decides to inscribe the Representation of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ in Iztapalapa on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity;
- Commends the State Party for the high quality of the video and the strict observance of the principle of free, prior and informed consent of the parties concerned with respect to the nomination process.