Burning of Judas (Quema de Judas)

Origin and meaning

The Burning of Judas (Quema de Judas) is a tradition of Spanish origin that came to Venezuela in colonial times. It commemorates the betrayal of Judas Iscariot of Jesus and the consequent popular condemnation. In the Catholic calendar, it takes place on Holy Saturday (also called Sábado Santo) or on Easter Sunday, marking the close of Holy Week.

In El Tocuyo and throughout Lara it is one of the most deeply rooted popular celebrations.

The doll

The Judas is a large doll made with:

• Inner structure of wooden sticks or cane.
• Stuffing of straw, newspaper, old rags.
• Complete clothing: pants, shirt, shoes, hat.
• Face painted on cardboard or cloth —usually exaggerated, almost grotesque—.
• Firecrackers and triqui-traquis (small bangers) hidden inside the stuffing: when it burns, they explode and provide the show.

Satirical portrayal

What distinguishes the Burning of Judas in Venezuela is the portrayal of the doll as an unpopular figure of the year: a politician in disgrace, a hated official, a public figure who has lost popular favor. The choice of the Judas is discussed in the neighborhood throughout Holy Week, and on the eve it is decided who will be "this year's Judas".

This tradition turns the burning into a release valve for popular anger: when the doll burns, what the people want to banish symbolically burns with it.

The testament of Judas

Before burning the doll, the "testament of Judas" is read aloud —from a table or improvised stage—: satirical verses in décimas or couplets that distribute mocking legacies to figures from the neighborhood or society:

"To don Pedro I leave / my mended shoes, / so he can go to the town hall / to ask for what was promised…"

The testament, written by some neighborhood humorist, usually includes:

• Jokes about the neighbors —always friendly—.
• Criticism of local and national leaders.
• Comments about prices, services, gossip of the year.
• Mischievous proverbs and local sayings.

The reading of the testament is the most awaited moment: people laugh, applaud or protest depending on the references.

The burning

After the testament, the doll is set on fire. When the inner firecrackers begin to explode, the spectacle is total: sparks, smoke, noise and applause. While Judas burns, children run to pick up the firecrackers that did not explode.

In El Tocuyo

In El Tocuyo, the Burning of Judas is celebrated in several sectors simultaneously —each neighborhood burns its own Judas—. The most traditional are:

• El Calvario —where the Cross vigils are also held—.
• La Concordia.
• Plaza La Concordia (formerly Plaza Santo Domingo).
• Sectors of the historic center.

The people of El Tocuyo go from neighborhood to neighborhood during the late afternoon and evening of Holy Saturday, comparing the Judas figures and the testaments of each sector.

Food and drink

• Cold beer for adults.
• Soft drinks and carato for children.
• Cheese empanadas and acemitas.
• Sometimes hallaquitas or small arepas offered by the organizers.

Its cultural value

The Burning of Judas is Venezuelan intangible cultural heritage. It combines:

• Popular religiosity (rejection of betrayal).
• Political satire (testament).
• Neighborhood carnival (public spectacle).
• Local memory (each year is marked by "the Judas we burned in…").

It is a living tradition that evolves year after year with the political and social events of Venezuela.