Carrying the standard of the Junta Permanente Pro Semana Santa Foundation, directors of the Alma Mater were present on one of the most important nights of Holy Week. Rector Deibar René Hurtado Herrera, accompanied by the four Vice-Rectors, the deans of the nine faculties, and the top-performing female students of the university, represented our community in the historic Procession of the Holy Burial of Christ in Popayán.

On the night of Good Friday, the University of Cauca fulfilled a very important commitment with the inhabitants of the city and the visitors who roam the streets of Popayán during these days. The rector, vice-rectors, deans, and two students of the University dressed in gala attire and prepared to parade in this solemn event where faith, tradition, and culture are always the main protagonists. Rector Dr. Deibar René Hurtado Herrera, alongside university officials, carried the standard of the Junta Permanente Pro Semana Santa Foundation, responsible for preserving the processions of Holy Week that have brought together locals and visitors annually since 1937. This tradition's cultural significance led UNESCO to declare them Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Additionally, students Liseth Carolina Zemanate and Alejandra Jaramillo, recognized for their outstanding academic achievements, were entrusted with carrying the insignias of the Crown of Thorns and the Nails of Christ.

"I believe the city has two constitutive elements, Holy Week and the University of Cauca, so our University actively participates throughout Holy Week, not only in its religious activities but also in cultural ones, opening its campuses for the entire agenda and hosting its own events. Therefore, for us to be present in the Good Friday procession is an honor, and to carry the standard of the Junta Permanente Pro Semana Santa is an even greater honor," expressed the rector joyfully, reflecting on the importance of participating in such a significant event, which attracts thousands of faithful nationally and internationally.

Similarly, Administrative Vice-Rector Jorge Enrique Barrera shared what it meant to him to take part in this solemn act, stating, "For me, this occasion represents accompanying a tradition and representing my University, which is very important because the University in a way enhances the value of our city by participating in the Good Friday Procession." Additionally, Alejandro Toledo, Dean of the Faculty of Electronic Engineering and Telecommunications, expressed, "It is an honor for me to represent the University of Cauca, to be present in this religious celebration, and to feel even greater belonging to our University."

And this is the first time that the current university leadership has been able to accompany the Procession of the Holy Burial of Christ. Why? Sadly, last year, the procession was canceled due to rain, leaving our Unicaucanos with the hope of proudly carrying the standard of the Junta. But fortunately, in 2024, the story was completely different: the weather allowed for this grand night to take place! The Procession of the Holy Burial of Christ unfolded with the participation of 14 floats, organized as follows: it began with the National Police Marching Band, followed by the Death float, the Mary Salome float, the Veronica float, the Pabón Coral of the Orfeón Obrero Theater, the Mary Magdalene float, the Man of the Hammer float, the Man of the Pincers float, the Orchestra of the Junta Permanente Pro Semana Santa de Popayán directed by Felipe Ante, the Holy Christ float, the Disagreement float, the Piety float, the Colombian Air Force Musicians Band, the Transfer of Christ to the Tomb float, the Insignias float, the Saint John the Evangelist float, the Standard of the Junta Permanente Pro Semana Santa Foundation, as mentioned earlier, carried by the rector, university officials, and accompanied by the two top-performing students of Unicaucana, followed by the University Choral Group under the direction of maestro Horacio Casas Rengifo, the Holy Sepulcher float, Archbishop of Popayán Monseñor Omar Alberto Sánchez Cubillos and the priest of the Santo Domingo Church Carlos Anuar Hurtado, and finally the Virgin of Solitude float, closing with the Infantry Battalion No. 7 José Hilario López.

From this institution, which is #HeritageForAll, distinguished by its excellence and solidarity, we take great pride in participating annually in such a solemn event as the traditional Holy Week processions in Popayán. These processions, celebrated since colonial times, are considered one of the oldest traditional commemorations in Colombia and Latin America. In addition to representing part of Popayán's identity, they are one of the city's most important dates, attracting thousands of visitors who contribute to its economic growth and development. Therefore, we reaffirm the honor we feel in being part of this tradition and pledge to preserve it, offering our spaces and human talent, as we recognize the importance of being located in the White City. Without it, our institution would not be on the verge of celebrating 200 years of invaluable history.