Exploding Judas, Fireworks & Flying Debris

And the Winner of the Contest for the best Judas figure is...a greedy politician! Strange Easter tradition at Plaza Fundadores San Luis Potosi.
Be certain to click on the video link below to see my UTube Video! It is almost like being there, minus the burning embers & flying particles!


Elaboracion Y Quema De Judas! Video Link, click on X in box to view























Saturday before Easter el carnaval chiquito (the small carnival) takes place during which people dance in the streets & music plays while rather bizarre looking Judas figures explode with fireworks. A strange custom I admit but very wild & crazy. There is a contest in which people build elaborate "Judas" figures made of paper mache'. The figures are not always "Judas" as we know him but often times demonic or mistrusted greedy politicians which are greatly disliked the world over!!! (hardly a surprise considering the wildly contested Mexican presidential race last year) The figures are exploded to symbolically "vanquish the demons" before the glory of Easter Sunday. We were amazed by the size, style & over all humor of the Judas figures. The key to a good Judas figure exploding is to have the figure spin in the air being rigged with fireworks to give a good shower of sparks before completely exploding! The man standing in front of us had a piece of Judas debris hit him square in the eye but that didn't seem to stop him from staying for the entire Elaboracion y Quema De Judas!!! A wild time with the fireworks, nonstop music & somehow everyone gets whipped into the action! We noticed no American safety standards that would have accompanied the same sort of celebration involving fireworks at home in the USA. We did enjoy it though & before the night was over even John was hit in the neck by a hot piece of Exploding Judas! All said & done a great time was had by all! And, wow were our ears ringing!!! Good times, good times!