The Good Friday on the neighbouring Paraguayan towns of Trinidad and Jesús saw much activity, both for locals and tourists. Trinidad and Jesús, not far from the city of Encarnación, share a similarity: each has a Jesuit mission. This Jesuit missions are a landmark, with both being protected by the UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.
The two towns, being one next to another, hosted religious and cultural events. The Asunción Times was there to witness a display of faith, history and lights.
Way of the Cross in Trinidad and Jesús
Tourists normally go to the Jesuit missions expecting old ruins full of history and faith. However, being a Good Friday, faith was actually present in the Trinidad and Jesús Jesuit missions.
At 15:00, the Way of the Cross started in Trinidad. Tourists were amazed by the display in the middle of the ruins, with actors, locals and “estacioneros”. Estacioneros are a group of people who sing mournful chants without instruments in the Way of the Cross Paraguayan tradition.
The estacioneros groups are present all over the country in events like this. Nonetheless, every year there are less members of these groups. People in Trinidad accompanied the Way of the Cross among them. Tourists were taking photos and respecting the solemn moment that the Stations of the Cross means for Catholics.
In Jesús the Way of The Cross started at 17:00. Here, some Stations were represented in the old church, the one church that was never finished. Teenagers dressed as Roman soldiers and women representing the ones that accompanied Christ to its final destination were seen portraying the spiritual moment.
A mix of mourn and joy
In both Jesuit missions, a different air filled every attendant´s lungs. An actual religious event happened in two places that carry and represent a lot of things for locals, just in and between the ruins of what once was. A religious event that represents the death of Christ; the same way, in 1767, Jesuit missionaries were expelled to never be seen again until many years later. But the buildings stayed the same and stood the passage of time. Now, they are a remainder for locals and amaze tourists.
However, after both of the events were finished in Trinidad and Jesús, actors portraying the Stations were relieved. Relieved because all their hard work paid off, as real emotions were felt in the acting. Their families were there to accompany and congratulate them. Their teachers were also really happy that all of the practiced turned out great; as much coordination and effort is needed for a Way of the Cross.
On the other hand, vendors were pouring after both events ended. They were selling Paraguayan chipa, yerba mate and crafts. Many people refilled their thermos to keep drinking tereré to combat the extreme heat.
History in Trinidad and Jesús
Meanwhile, others were arriving for the history showcases. For example, in the Jesús mission, you could see a didactic movie about the Jesuits; what did they do, what were their goals and why they were expelled. In both Trinidad and Jesús you can see models of the missions, what they represented, documents, and what the Jesuits planned for them.
At 19:00, a 3D video was shown in the interior of the old church in Jesús. In this video, you can see the history of the mission, the locations of the other missions, the knowledges and the reasons of the Jesuit´s expulsion, among other things.
All accompanied with sounds of guns, guaraní voices and local fauna. Some children were scared of the loud noises, and adults calmed them down while watching the video. A great video for everyone who wanted to know more and immerse themselves in the legacy of the Jesuit priests.
A guided tour through the ruins
Afterwards, Trinidad also showed its history, but in a different way. At 20:00 started a guided tour throughout the ruins. You can think a simple visit during the day to Trinidad is enough to understand the importance of the mission. But during a night tour everything changes, from the vibes to what you see.
In the middle of the ruins, a showcase of lights emerged from the ground to illuminate all of the ruins; almost like if the Jesuits themselves built them.
Wals and windows lit up
Both Paraguayans and newcomers together, walked among the lights hearing fauna sounds. Meanwhile, the guide was telling and explaining the history of the place, as well as its historical context.
Walls, windows, structures and sculptures were all lit up, revieiling all of their architectural and small secrets.
A special occasion
These night activities are not uncommon; every Wednesday to Sunday at 19:00 and 20:00 they take place in Trinidad and Jesús. But on April 3 they happened in a Good Friday; the most solemn day of the year in the country. Therefore, locals and tourists were eager to hear, feel and see the story by themselves, filled with emotions and curiosity.
With an afternoon and evening full of activities between Trinidad and Jesús, some went to bed full of faith. Others learned about the Jesuits and their importance in Paraguayan history and culture. But at the end of the day, everyone was happy after an eventful Good Friday.
