Catholic faithful in Mexico commemorate the crucifixion with procession

The colonial Mexican city of Taxco performed its traditional and highly devotional Processions of the Flagellants and the Crucified to commemorate Holy Thursday.

The procession of flagellants represents the high point of the city's week-long Easter celebrations.

The faithful show their piety by walking with packs of thorny branches on their shoulders and by flagellating themselves in the back with whips with sharp flails.

Many of the participants say the procession is not about physical pain, but is about spirituality and devotion to God.