Home » Pernambuco Travel Guide » The Stage of the Passion of Christ in New Jerusalem: A Guide

The Stage of the Passion of Christ in New Jerusalem, located in the municipality of Brejo da Madre de Deus, Pernambuco, is one of the most famous and impressive cultural events in Brazil.

The Theatre of the Passion of Christ in New Jerusalem takes place every year during Holy Week and attracts thousands of spectators from all over the country and even abroad.

The route from Recife to Nova Jerusalem, where Brazil’s largest production of the Passion of the Christ takes place, is full of worthwhile stops.

The town of Brejo da Madre de Deus is located in the Agreste region of Pernambuco, about 202 kilometres from the capital, Recife.

The Luiz Gonzaga motorway, known as the BR-232, is the main access for those leaving Recife towards the interior of Pernambuco.

In an hour and a half, tourists arrive in Caruaru, in the agreste of the state. The first stop is the famous Feira do Nordeste, made into a song by Luiz Gonzaga. Handicrafts are one of the main attractions at the fair, which is free to enter.

The next stop is Alto do Mouro, where the clay dolls are made, and the Casa Museu Mestre Vitalino, where the king of clay dolls once lived.

Brejo da Madre de Deus is a very special kind of handicraft. The raw material is stone.

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Encenação Paixão de Cristo em Nova Jerusalém PE03:37

Nova Jerusalém em Pernambuco02:42

Paixão de Cristo de Nova Jerusalém 2017 - Completa50:52

The Passion of Christ in New Jerusalem

1. Location and structure

• The Theatre City of New Jerusalem is built on an area of 100,000 square metres surrounded by stone walls.
• It has a magnificent backdrop that recreates historical sites such as the Roman Forum, Herod’s Palace, the Temple of Jerusalem and Mount Calvary.

2. The history

• The first performance took place in 1968, conceived by Plínio Pacheco.
• Since then, the production has grown in size and complexity to become one of the largest open-air theatre productions in the world.

3. The production

• It involves more than 500 actors and extras, as well as a large technical team.
• The main roles are often played by well-known actors from Brazilian cinema and television.

4. Theme and appeal

• The play dramatises the last days of Jesus Christ, from his entry into Jerusalem to his crucifixion and resurrection.
• The performance combines elements of faith, art and culture, offering an immersive experience for believers and theatregoers alike.

5. Cultural impact

• The New Jerusalem Passion of Christ is an event of great religious, tourist and economic importance for the region.
• It attracts thousands of tourists, contributing significantly to the local economy and promoting the culture and traditions of Pernambuco.

6. Importance to the community

• More than just a show, it’s a cultural event that involves the local community, many of whom volunteer their time.
• It promotes the preservation of the region’s traditions and cultural identity.

Those wishing to attend the performance are advised to plan their visit well in advance, especially in terms of purchasing tickets and booking accommodation, due to the high demand during the Holy Week period.

Written by Willy Sievert

Editor of Bahia.ws since its founding in 2009. Based in Salvador, he travels frequently across the Northeast and all of Brazil to keep the guides up to date. Learn more about Willy Sievert →

Published on 02/04/2015 · Updated on 17/06/2025

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