La Passio D’ Esparreguera (The Passion of Christ in Esparreguera)

In one form of another, amateur Spanish actors have attempted to reconstruct various scenes from the life of Jesus Christ down the years.

These Biblical recreations can be traced back to early Medieval times in Spain where the “Mysteries” of Christ were re-enacted. The plays were usually put on by priests for the benefit of the congregation. Nowadays such performances are acted out in an extremely professional manner and prove very popular amongst the Spanish and tourists alike.

Each year thousands flock to see the Passion of Christ (La Passio) in the town of Esparreguera, not far from Barcelona. So important is the ‘La Passio’ in Esparreguera that the venue was specially designed to host the play. The audience capacity to see the highly anticipated show is around1800 but unusually there is additional space for up to 600 actors. In 1983 the  theatre of Esparreguera was declared a place of national interest. Today the theatre is used to stage many productions all year round.

More than 300 actors, 50 technicians and 100 musicians will participate in La Passio’s various performances. This grand-scale theatrical event is achieved through the volunteer contribution of citizens from the town.

The earliest known evidence that a play took place at Esparreguera depicting the Passion of Christ is a letter dated 1611. The letter was sent from people in Sant Llorenc d’Hortons to relatives in Esparreguera declaring their intentions to go and see La Passio.

There are many other plays throughout Spain which recreate the Passion of Christ. One that takes place in a purpose-built theatre with a huge 375 square metre stage has to be amongst the best of Spain’s remarkable Biblical re-enactments.

This year’s shows will take place from 9 March until 4 May. The town of Esparreguera is on the road from Barcelona to Montserrat. Combining a visit to the  spectacular saw-toothed mountain of Montserrat and all of its top notch sights with a night at the nearby theatre to take in La Passio would undoubtedly be a great day out.