The Director General was honoured to be invited to participate in the procession together with the municipal corporation, headed by the Mayor, Mr. Enrique Galindo; the Senator of the Republic, Mrs. Estela Arriaga; and the Director of Tourism of the Corporation, Mrs. Claudia Peralta. San Luis Potosi, which became the first destination in Mexico to join the World Network last January, received its official certification during the last edition of FITUR in Madrid (Spain). This outstanding initiative has aroused the interest of other Mexican destinations, which have already begun the procedures to apply for membership to the Steering Committee of the World Network, chaired by Ms. Pilar Valdés, with the aim of joining the select group of destinations with high potential in the field of religious tourism at international level.
The image of the Virgen de la Soledad, illuminated by candles and adorned with Sevillian mantillas, led the procession, followed by representations of the Passion of Christ. The carvings, authentic works of sacred art, came to life under the dim light of the lanterns, moving those present.
This year, the organisers implemented accessibility measures, including sign language interpreters, audio description for the visually impaired and tactile replicas of key elements of the event. In addition, an exclusive area for people with motor disabilities was set up in front of the Museo del Virreinato.
Since its first edition in 1954, inspired by the representations of the Holy Week of Seville, the Procession of Silence of San Luis Potosi has evolved to become a cultural and religious manifestation of great relevance. In 2013, it was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of the State, reaffirming its importance in the identity of San Luis Potosí.
The 2025 edition not only consolidated this tradition as an emblem of the capital of Potosí, but also stood out for its commitment to inclusion and accessibility, allowing more people to live this unique spiritual experience.
For Ms. Valdés, the experience in San Luis Potosí has been deeply meaningful and emotional. In his own words: ‘The Procession of Silence is a clear example of religious fervour lived in recollection and respect. It has been truly moving to observe how children, young people and adults participate, all with a deep faith and a sense of belonging that is transmitted in each step. The spiritual intensity that one breathes during the procession is unique. Every gesture, every movement, every silence speaks of the deep-rooted Catholic beliefs that characterise this community. It is not an easy procession to follow, it requires discipline, conviction and dedication, but precisely for this reason it is an exceptional experience. This procession marks a notable difference with respect to other similar expressions in the country, endowing it with an authenticity and solemnity that make it truly special’.
Pilar Valdés also stressed that this type of religious manifestation not only strengthens the cultural and spiritual identity of the destination, but also projects it strongly in the field of international religious tourism, positioning San Luis Potosí as a unique reference in the region.
The World Religious Tourism Network wishes to express its deepest gratitude to the San Luis Potosi Tourism team for the extraordinary welcome given during the recent institutional visit. The warmth, dedication and professionalism with which each activity was organised made this experience truly unforgettable. We would especially like to acknowledge the leadership of Mrs. Claudia Peralta, Director of Tourism, as well as the commitment and permanent support of the Mayor, Mr. Enrique Galindo, who, together with an exceptional team, demonstrated that tourism can also be synonymous with closeness, service vocation and excellence.
For Pilar Valdés, participating in the Procession of Silence was, without a doubt, "a deeply moving experience. This manifestation of faith, lived with respect, recollection and solemnity, is a true testimony to the religious fervour of the people of Potosí. It was impressive to see how children, youth and adults walked in unison, transmitting in each step their deep devotion and spiritual connection. San Luis Potosí has achieved something admirable: to turn Holy Week into a celebration of all and for all.
One of the most remarkable aspects was the exemplary universal accessibility of the Procession of Silence. People in wheelchairs, blind people with simultaneous translation, deaf people with sensitive waistcoats to experience the music, reserved spaces and priority of passage, as well as special attention to people with autism, Down's syndrome and other conditions, made possible a truly inclusive celebration. This Holy Week has been a tangible example of how religious tourism can and should integrate everyone without exception".
