The Governing Council of the Community of Madrid ratified this Wednesday the declaration of the Living Passion of Valdilecha as a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest. This scenic representation exemplifies how an entire municipality can preserve and transmit its intangible heritage from generation to generation.

The tradition, which originated in 1997 through the initiative of the San Martín Cultural Association with the collaboration of the City Council and the participation of numerous residents, premiered for the first time on Holy Thursday 1998. After months of collective work dedicated to script preparation, recording audio with residents' voices, rehearsals, costume making, and set design, the event has evolved.

Over the years, the event has transformed, now setting its celebration on the Saturday before Palm Sunday, a day that currently attracts hundreds of spectators. The Passion consists of 14 scenes and unfolds over approximately two and a half hours. One of its most notable passages is the Calvary, which takes place in a natural setting on the outskirts of the town, enhancing the sense of realism.

More than 150 residents actively participate in the staging of the final days of Jesus Christ's life, turning Valdilecha into a large open-air stage. The celebration has solidified its position as one of the most relevant cultural manifestations in the locality and the region.

Over time, advancements have been incorporated in scenography, costumes, sound, lighting, and special effects, while always preserving the original spirit of the work. The designation as a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest underscores its cultural and tourism significance.