Glorious Mystery #1

The First Glorious Mystery on the Calzada de los Misterios is one of the most understated. Directly behind the Mier y Pesado Institute (visible in the photos above), the Mystery depicts The Resurrection, when Christ is physically resurrected from the dead by God the Father. One of the foundational  tenets of Christianity, the subject has been widely depicted in art and thus presents a special challenge for any artist.

The monument we see today was recreated in anticipation of a visit by Pope John Paul II in 1999. It’s one of 15 that line the ancient pilgrimage route of the Calzada de los Misterios. Seven of the original monuments were lost in the 19th century. Eight of the originals remain, but here we can see that the reproductions may actually improve on the artworks displayed.

The monument is just north of the Metrobús station Necaxa. This was named for the avenue in its own turn named for the Necaxa river. It’s an important hydroelectric and water storage network in the states of Puebla and Veracruz.

Like many of the monuments along the route, this one is frequently targeted by grafiti artists. The perimeter wall surrounding the private girl’s school may fare even worse. But with the overhead jacaranda trees, between late January and April of each year, it can be among the most enchanting parts along the already interesting causeway.