https://nahualcalli.com/products/mascara-de-diablo-grande?_pos=1&_sid=22ef7ad43&_ss=r

Easter traditions: burning Judas

During these Easter dates there is a tradition that always attracts the attention of many people, the burning of the Judas.

The figure of "Judas" alludes to the poorly represented as devil and these pieces are made with a reed structure which must be constantly wetted so that it is flexible and molds itself to the different shapes, then they are lined with paper, to finally be painted and decorated by hand.

It is customary to burn them on Gloria Saturday in the company of band music, such as the representation of Judas Iscariot, who sold Jesus for a few coins and then hanged himself.

These types of figures are made by master carton makers who with great skill manage to form these pieces, however large they may be.

There are two stories that tell the origin of this tradition, the first says that it is related to the "Fallas de Valencia" a custom of Turkish origin that was promoted in the Iberian Peninsula and reached Mexico after the conquest. However, another story tells this custom was born around the Vll century as a parody of the executions carried out by the Holy Inquisition.

Whatever the history behind this tradition, today we know that for Mexicans it is very important for the simple fact of being of the popular art of our country, which fills all Mexicans with pride.