Hundreds gather in Pilsen for annual Way of the Cross procession

Hundreds of people walked through Pilsen for the 41st annual Pilsen Via Crucis, a procession that reenacts the before, during and after of Jesus’ crucifixion.

As the crowd walked along the colorful streets of Pilsen, men, women and children sang along to music ringing out and answered prayers when called.

Occasionally the procession would stop, the crowd would fall silent, and Jesus, played by Anthony Macias, 41, would fall to the ground or be whipped.

The procession started at Providence of God Parish, 717 West 18th St. and made its way to Harrison Park, where the crucifixion was re-enacted.

The procession ended with a closing prayer at St. Adalbert Parish, 1650 W. 17th St.

Photos and Video by Erin Brown/Sun-Times

Jesus, portrayed by Anthony Macias, carries a cross during Pilsen Via Crucis. | Erin Brown/Sun-Times

1 of 15

Jesus, portrayed by Anthony Macias, carries a cross during Pilsen Via Crucis. | Erin Brown/Sun-Times

2 of 15

Jesus, portrayed by Anthony Macias, carries a cross during Pilsen Via Crucis. | Erin Brown/Sun-Times

3 of 15

Hundreds of people walked through Pilsen for the 41st annual Pilsen Via Crucis. | Erin Brown/Sun-Times

4 of 15

Hundreds of people walked through Pilsen for the 41st annual Pilsen Via Crucis. | Erin Brown/Sun-Times

5 of 15

Jesus falls and is lashed. | Erin Brown/Sun-Times

6 of 15

Jesus falls and is beaten. | Erin Brown/Sun-Times

7 of 15

Jesus, portrayed by Anthony Macias, carries a cross during Pilsen Via Crucis. | Erin Brown/Sun-Times

8 of 15

Jesus, portrayed by Anthony Macias, carries a cross during Pilsen Via Crucis. | Erin Brown/Sun-Times

9 of 15

Hundreds of people walked through Pilsen for the 41st annual Pilsen Via Crucis, a procession that reenacts the before, during and after of Jesus’ crucifixion on Good Friday, March 30, 2018. | Erin Brown/Sun-Times

10 of 15

Crowds thronged 18th st. to watch the spectacle. | Erin Brown/Sun-Times

11 of 15

Anthony Macias reenacts Jesus’ crucifixion at Harrison Park. | Erin Brown/Sun-Times

12 of 15

Anthony Macias reenacts Jesus’ crucifixion at Harrison Park. | Erin Brown/Sun-Times

13 of 15

Jesus is carried through the streets after his crucifixion. | Erin Brown/Sun-Times

14 of 15

Jesus is laid on the alter at St. Adalbert Parish, 1650 W. 17th St. where a closing prayer is said. | Erin Brown/Sun-Times

15 of 15