Overview

• Pilsen held its 48th Via Crucis procession on Good Friday, with Eduardo Bahena portraying Jesus for the first time as hundreds marched along West 18th Street.
• East Chicago’s Our Lady of Guadalupe Church hosted its bilingual Way of the Cross, featuring Eron Herrejon as Jesus and nine prayer stations throughout the city.
• Both processions are deeply rooted in Latino Catholic traditions, emphasizing faith, community, and cultural identity across generations.
• Attendance at Pilsen’s event was smaller than in previous years, attributed to aging original organizers, but families remain committed to preserving the tradition.
• East Chicago’s bilingual format reflects the community’s efforts to integrate English and Spanish, ensuring inclusivity for younger generations and maintaining cultural ties.