Old Pascua celebrates the Lenten season through the Yaqui Easter traditional ceremonies. The Yoeme interpretation of the Catholic liturgy for the Easter season through the re-enactment of the Passion of Jesus Christ is concurrently dramatized with the Pre-Christian Pascola and Deer Dancing.
The following is a schedule of events.
THE TIMES ARE APPROXIMATIONS TO ACT AS A GENERAL GUIDE ONLY.
March 24 Palm Saturday *An all-night pahko (fiesta) with the emergence of the Deer Dancer and the Pascolas 9 p.m. (or later)
*The Fiesta Procession 11:00 p.m.
March 25 Palm Sunday *The Procession with the Palms and Procession of Christ into Jerusalem 11 a.m. (palm distribution)
March 28 Holy Wednesday *The Terebra and the whipping 9 p.m. (or later)
March 29 Holy Thursday *Late morning Procession of the Hearts of Jesus with Angels 10 a.m.
*The pursuit of the Old Man 3 p.m.
*The capture of the Nazarene 9 p.m.
March 30 Good Friday *The Crucifixion of Christ at 3 p.m.
*The Veneration of Christ at 5:30 p.m. followed by 2 processions
*Midnight Procession: El Encuentro
March 31 Holy Saturday *"La Gloria" Ceremony at 12 noon followed by an all-night pahko (Deer Dancer and Pascolas)
*Matachinis braid Maypole 9 p.m. followed by veneration of the Virgin Mary all night
April 1 Easter Sunday *Matachinis unbraid Maypole 7 a.m.
*Easter Mass at 10:00 a.m. followed by final procession
Activities take place at Capilla San Ignacio de Loyola, at the Pascua Neighborhood Center, 785 W. Sahuaro, located in the Old Pascua Yaqui Community (I-10 and Grant Road).
Activities are open to the public. But no cell phones, no photos or recordings allowed. Confiscated items found to be in violation may not be returned.
