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Ivan Luis Barajas, performing as Jesus Christ, is crucified during the 45th Via Crucis on Good Friday on Pilsen’s 18th Street, Apr. 15, 2022. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago

PILSEN — Pilsen’s Good Friday tradition returns this week.

The 46th Via Crucis procession features people reenacting scenes from Jesus Christ’s final days along 18th Street. It typically attracts hundreds of people who gather and watch to celebrate Good Friday and the coming of Easter.

The Last Supper reenactment begins 9 a.m. Friday in the basement of Providence of God Church, 717 W. 18th St. The procession will continue down 18th Street, and there will be a Crucifixion reenactment at Harrison Park at 18th and Wood Street.

The procession will then head to St. Pius Church, 1919 S. Ashland Ave., for a final prayer ahead of Easter Sunday.

Last year was the first year back following livestreamed events in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event has been held in Pilsen every year since 1977.


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