The organizers of the religious event are preparing the placement of the three crosses that will be used in the crucifixion scene of the 183rd representation of the Passion of Christ in Iztapalapa. As in previous editions, the central cross is larger and is located at the front. In 2026, the representation debuts the international recognition granted by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage of humanity. After Pontius Pilate determined that Jesus must be flogged, he was taken to the center of the plaza to receive his punishment. According to the biblical passage, Jesus is brutally flogged before a crowd decides to free Barabbas instead of Christ and the latter is condemned to crucifixion. In addition, a crown of thorns was placed on him before starting the Way of the Cross. The Citizen Security Secretariat reported on several roadways that will remain closed this Friday, April 3, due to the representation of the Passion of Christ. From 8:00 a.m., an attendance of up to 2 million people was expected at the Casa de los Ensayos, the Macroplaza Cuitláhuac, the Iztapalapa Cathedral, and the Predio de la Pasión, in the Iztapalapa mayor's office. The affected roadways are Calzada Ermita Iztapalapa, westbound from Fundación to Puentetitla. In addition, both directions of Avenida Javier Rojo Gómez between Eje 5 Sur and Calzada Ermita Iztapalapa. As alternatives, it is recommended to circulate on Anillo Periférico, Avenida Tláhuac, Eje 3 Oriente, and Eje 5 Sur. Hundreds of believers are attending Iztapalapa to witness the 183rd representation of the Passion of Christ this Good Friday. The religious event is expected to gather a little over 2 million people. The structures are made of wood, where the religious event will later conclude. A brawl between attendees and police officers was reported hours before the start of the religious event. According to reports, the incident originated because officers only allowed access to the Cerro de la Estrella, in the Iztapalapa mayor's office, to the actors. When they were denied passage, shoving and jostling occurred; some people threw objects at the officers who implemented the security filter. The incident was recorded on video and spread on social networks. A fight broke out during the Iztapalapa Way of the Cross. The excess of attendees unleashed shoving and the throwing of objects at police after restricting access due to overcrowding. There were no injuries.
