‘Senakulo’ staged in Zambales town on Good Friday

Penitents carry wooden crosses to reenact the passion of Christ on Good Friday, March 29, 2024, in Castillejos, Zambales. (Photo by JOANNA ROSE AGLIBOT / Inquirer Central Luzon)

CASTILLEJOS, Zambales, Philippines — Catholic devotees flocked to this town on Good Friday, March 29, to witness the annual “senakulo,” or the stage play depicting the life and passion of Jesus Christ.

Spectators gathered along the roadside to observe as community members performed acts of penance and took part in a “bloody reenactment” depicting Christ’s passion outside St. Nicholas de Tolentino Parish.

Aside from the senakulo, penitents were seen carrying wooden crosses, whipping their backs, or engaging in self-flagellation, while others rolled on hot concrete pavement as part of the Good Friday tradition in this town despite the blistering heat.

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The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Zambales experienced a heat index of 40ºC on Good Friday.

The highway leading to the parish and the site of the senakulo were closed to motorists since early morning, causing a traffic jam in the area.