The soul of Madariaga in La Pasión: Four decades of popular commitment

Vivir La Pasión según Juan en Madariaga means realizing what happens when an entire town gets involved in a project, in an idea. It makes you see that this performance, with 40 years of history, is more than just a show. But is it a tradition? Is it merely an expression of faith?

When you live it—and you see the townspeople dressed as soldiers, villagers, and even Jesus himself, right there beside you—and the lights and folk music stir your emotions, that’s when you find the answers: it’s much more than a show. It’s a community united behind something they feel is their own. It’s the event that brings them together, that makes them feel part of the same community, year after year.

That might be the secret to why, even after 40 years, the work created by Alejandro Mayol—former priest and Argentine musician—and performed by el Grupo La Fuente, continues to draw so many people to relive the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It all takes place in the majestic natural setting of Parque Juan Anchorena, on a stage of over 600 square meters, with an impressive display of lights and sound. Theater, music, and dance come together in deeply folkloric rhythms such as cuecas, candombes, triunfos, milongas, galopas, and chacareras.

More than 300 people work together as a team, in a true community effort. The casting process begins in June, with entire families donating their time. Workshops are held, followed by final auditions to choose the cast. Then, each actor rehearses their role individually before joining group rehearsals.

A.S.S.E.M. (Asociación Semana Santa en Madariaga) is the organization responsible for producing the show. They fundraise all year long to support each new edition, since the production continues to grow and the technological upgrades, while exciting, are also expensive.

Claudio Rivas, a member of ASSEM, says, “People from the neighborhoods, from downtown, kids, adults, the elderly—all come together. It brings the whole community together, and that’s what has made this take root in the heart of the people and the town of Gral. Madariaga, who are our greatest sponsors—after God.”

“This is not just a musical or theatrical performance,” he continues. “It’s a spiritual treasure of Gral. Madariaga. Believers and non-believers alike take part—that’s the phenomenon. It shows you that there’s a different kind of energy in the air.”

He adds, “Besides the performance, the message is so clear—the Gospel according to John tells the story, which is really the story of all our lives. We’ve all lied, we've washed our hands of something, we've betrayed someone in some way. Who hasn’t regretted something? The only thing this story tells you is that you have a new opportunity to be different. And that’s what’s most wonderful about it: it came to tell us that we all have the chance to change. That He gave himself for us, sacrificed his life for us, and gave us the chance to rise again as many times as we truly repent and want to be better. If we understand that, the message has been fulfilled.”

Over the years, La Pasión in Madariaga has evolved while maintaining the simplicity and authenticity that defines it. The active participation of the community in its organization and staging has been key to preserving the tradition and adapting it to the times without losing its essence.

La Pasión in Madariaga represents a moment of gathering and reflection. For 40 years, it has served as a space for social cohesion, where different generations share a common story and deep values. It attracts residents, tourists, and visitors, generating a positive impact on the local economy and helping strengthen local pride while promoting the identity of Madariaga as a community that values its roots and cultural heritage.

María Ulivi