WATSONVILLE — More than a thousand people flooded into Ramsay Park on Friday afternoon to witness a traditional Catholic practice.
Stations of the Cross is a reenactment of the death of Jesus Christ, depicting every step Jesus took to his crucifixion on Good Friday.
A large group of actors dressed in period costumes — as Roman soldiers, law officials and Jesus’ followers — came together to tell the story. The actors lead everyone in prayers at each of the 14 stations.
“It’s so intense to actually see the story happen instead of just hearing it,” said Marta León, who is from out of town but makes the trip to Watsonville every year to attend with her grandchildren. “It’s really powerful.”
León and her family were representative of the crowd’s diversity; all ages of onlookers lined up to watch the procession move to each station, following as it made its way through the park.
Alex, 17, watched from the side of a hill with a group of his siblings and a few cousins.
“It’s a family tradition,” he said, “and it’s important to celebrate Holy Week.”
For many Catholics and Protestant Christians, Holy Week begins on Thursday and concludes on Easter Sunday. Good Friday is often observed with somber affairs, such as services shrouded in black hanging and Stations of the Cross.
“We recognize the sadness of Good Friday,” León said. “It makes Easter all that more amazing.”
