¡Quema Judas! : A Mexican Folk Tradition 2007
Distributed by Films Media Group, PO Box 2053, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-2053; 800-257-5126
Produced by Curtis A. Craven
Directed by Curtis A. Craven
DVD, color, 47 min.
Jr. High - Adult
Latin American Studies, Folk Art, Popular Culture
Date Entered: 09/02/2008
Reviewed by Cindy Badilla-Melendez, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MNIn Mexico folk art is still an important part of the culture. Some Mexicans dedicate their lives to preserving their traditions, others to celebrating them. The burning of the Judas is a custom that is in danger of becoming extinct. One of the places that is working to preserve this tradition is the City of San Luis Potosi, Mexico, and it is celebrated during Easter week.
The Judas figures are created to symbolize different issues. Some of them are more traditional than others. Their meaning depends on what the creator wants to express. They could represent social injustices, evil, corrupted officials, illness, sins, and religious beliefs. It is considered a protest against public officials who do not fulfill their obligations as they should, and it reflects the anxiety, courage and humor of the town and their disappointment. Diego Rivera, a strong representative of the Mexican folk art, always participated and supported this activity.
This representation of Judas came from Spain where they used to burn figures of Judas Iscariot, Jesus’ traitor. Artists, families, and friends spend a lot of time building these Judas for an end result that is very colorful, bright and expressive as well as very artistic and creative. Each figure personifies a deeper meaning. The expressions on the faces of these figures are very important because all the figures will be burned as a celebration in the Plaza de Armas on the eve of Easter, and they are spun as they burn, impacting how they look. All the Judas are registered at a local museum for a competition. Three will be the selected as winners and fireworks are added to them for the burning show.
Narration is adequate and background music is appropriate. The picture and sound qualities are good. The documentary feels very long, and several spots would benefit from better editing to focus on the actual burning which is the purpose of the film. This version of the film is in Spanish with English subtitles. It is most suitable for library collections in Latin American studies, folk art, and popular culture.