Men Carry Prickly Cacti During Good Friday Celebration in Mexico

Several men have been spotted on the streets of Angangueo taking part in a striking Easter tradition that involves carrying prickly cacti on their backs.

In videos circulating online, the men are seen shirtless, with prickly pear cacti tightly strapped to their backs as they walk through the streets in a solemn procession.

The ritual, known as the Nopal Procession, takes place every Good Friday in regions like Michoacán and other parts of the country.

Participants, often referred to as penitents, carry the cactus as an act of sacrifice, devotion, and spiritual reflection. The practice is believed to symbolize suffering and a quest for redemption.

The prickly pear cactus, locally called “nopal,” is not only central to the ritual but also holds deep cultural significance as a symbol of Mexican identity.

The event typically draws large crowds, with visitors gathering to witness and reflect on the intense display of faith and endurance during the Easter period.

See video below………

Men Carry Prickly Cacti During Good Friday “Nopal Procession” in Mexico pic.twitter.com/IRgQEuzMZO

— Iamelizabeth (@elizabethblogng) April 6, 2026