All-night Holy Week procession commemorates passion in El Salvador

On Holy Thursday in Izalco, the procession begins its way through the streets. The statue of the Nazareno can be rotated to face the homes of families along the route. Photo credit: Josue Parada/El Salvador

At the Holy week procession in Izalco, the Nazareno is followed by statues including, in order, the Virgin Dolorosa, Saint John, Mary Magdalene, and Veronica, who wiped the face of Jesus when he went to the Cross. Photo credit: Josue Parada/El Salvador

At 6 p.m. on Holy Thursday, the procession reaches the threshold of Our Lady of Sorrows. Heavy rains delay the procession, but only children are allowed to shelter from the rains. Photo credit: Josue Parada/El Salvador

The statue of Jesús Nazareno is brought out annually for the huge procession in Izalco. Photo credit: Josue Parada/El Salvador

Bearers carry the statue of Jesús Nazareno in Izalco. The procession lasts at least 15 hours, right through the night. Photo credit: Josue Parada/El Salvador

At dawn on Good Friday, a man is helped to crawl on his knees, blindfolded, for the final block on the route to the Nazareno's chapel, as an act of penance or supplication. Photo credit: Josue Parada/El Salvador