Vilalba dels Arcs prepares for its traditional Passion play with massive local involvement

The theatrical performance through the historic center involves nearly half of the village's population.

Generic image of a night-time theatrical performance in the streets of a historic center lit by torches.
IA

Generic image of a night-time theatrical performance in the streets of a historic center lit by torches.

The village of Vilalba dels Arcs, in the Terra Alta region, is finalizing preparations for The Passion of the people and for the people, a historical reenactment scheduled for Maundy Thursday and Holy Saturday.

Founded in 1996 by the local theater group La Pirindola, this event has become a cultural landmark for Holy Week in southern Catalonia. The performance is known for its itinerant format, featuring twelve scenes across the town's most iconic locations, from the entry into Jerusalem to the Crucifixion.
Directed by Rafel Esteruelas, the production involves an exceptional human effort: 30 speaking actors and 160 extras, with nearly 300 people participating in total. The Thursday night version is particularly renowned for its atmosphere, created using only oil lamps and torches to light the streets.
Beyond the theater, Holy Saturday features a craft market and a tasting of the Passion Wine. This artisanal wine, produced by the Passion Board since 2006, is aged in clay amphorae that are opened specifically for the event. The celebration was declared Festive Heritage of Catalonia in 2015.