Devotees commemorate 49th annual ‘Via Crucis’ in Pilsen

Hundreds marched alongside a bloodied man carrying a wooden cross down West 18th Street in Pilsen on Friday morning.

The man, wearing a crown of thorns and white sheet, was dressed as Jesus Christ for the 49th annual “Via Crucis: Living Way of the Cross,” a Good Friday tradition that commemorates his passion and life.

The procession retraces the journey of Jesus Christ leading to his crucifixion. It regularly draws hundreds of Catholic devotees who come together to honor and uphold the traditions of their faith.

“This weekend is a time for reflection and a time of renewing promises,” said Ivy Blanco of Stickney.

Blanco said attending the procession is a yearly tradition for her family, but it felt different this year. She said her father, who died last year, was noticeably absent from Friday’s ceremony.

“This is something that he really enjoyed,” said Blanco. “He worked for the Catholic church for many years in Puerto Rico so it was important for me to continue to attend.”