La quema de Judas or The Judas Burning is a celebration held in many parts of Mexico on the day before Easter. Very large (10-12' tall) paper mache figures symbolizing Judas the Traitor will be created and then stuffed with fireworks to be blown up in the local plaza or hung across the street in some of the neighborhoods of Mexico City.  The Judas figure can look like these below with horns and tails or they may be made as an effigy of someone who is universally disliked in the community or neighborhood--politician, shopkeeper, or criminal.

These relatively small Judas figures can be found starting soon in the Mexico City markets and at papel mache artisan workshops. Why? To blow up at home, of course! Or to enjoy the whimsical creativity of the Mexican folk artist. Click on the photos to see our current selection.