Nicaragua Catholics re-enact 'Via Crucis' in water

Catholic parishioners gathered Monday to celebrate the aquatic Way of the Cross, a tradition of more than 40 years in the colonial city of Granada in southeastern Nicaragua. The pilgrimage brought together believers from across Nicaragua as well as other countries who sailed from islet to islet in Lake Nicaragua, recreating the Passion of Christ and the Stations of the Cross - also known as Via Crucis.

This year the celebration was marred by the coronavirus pandemic, with many of the believers wearing masks and observing social distancing. Many of the faithful said they prayed for the end of the pandemic and for peace in the country ahead of November's presidential elections. The Catholic Church of Nicaragua suspended Easter pilgrimages and celebrations that involve crowds to avoid further COVID-19 contagions.

(Image Credit: AP)