El Salvador celebrated Easter on Monday (March 25) with the traditional ceremony in which men dressed as devils whip people in an event meant to highlight the universal struggle of good versus evil.

The tradition occurs each year in the town of Texistepeque, El Salvador, some 83 kilometers (51 miles) north of San Salvador.

Actors dressed as devils and roam the streets, punishing people for their sins by lashing them. Many flock from surrounding El Salvador regions to participate in the event and get whipped to repent for sins committed during the year.

The Talciguines and a man disguised as Jesus first attend Mass and offer their performances as a sacrifice. When Mass ends, the whipping begins on the streets.

When a Talciguin approaches the man dressed as Jesus, the Talciguin hits the ground three times with his whip. Talciguines then surround Jesus and hit the ground nine times with their whips to signify temptation.

With the ninth hit, the Talciguines fall, humiliated, at the feet of Jesus, who looms above them, passing a whip in the form of a chain over their bodies, representing that 'good' has triumphed over 'evil.'

The annual ceremony takes place before Easter when Catholics and other Christians celebrate Jesus rising from the dead after dying for their sins.

(Production: Wilfredo Pineda, Diego Delgado, Liamar Ramos)