This week’s festivals
April 9 to 16
Moriones Festival
Marinduque province is turned into a “small Jerusalem” as locals, dressed as centurions called morions and Samaritans, parade the streets. The morions are masked soldiers clad in colorful costumes. Participants believe that wearing costumes and walking long distances are forms of sacrifice that would ensure them good health, protection and good harvests.
April 13 to 14
Pasko sa Kasakit
Locals and tourists on Bantayan Island in Cebu province celebrate the Holy Week along the shores and the island’s pristine beaches.
April 13 to 16
Agoo Semana Santa
The Good Friday procession highlights the Holy Week celebration in Agoo town of La Union province, where carozas line up at the Plaza dela Virgen and women are dressed in black to portray Mother Mary.
April 14
Cutud Lenten Rites
The reenactment of the passion and death of Jesus Christ is held in Barangay San Pedro Cutud in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga province. The crucifixion rites draw devotees and tourists every year. Flagellants parade the streets, with their bloodied backs in full view, and devotees are nailed to the cross with a 2-inch stainless steel nail.
Compiled by Kathleen de Villa, Inquirer Research
Sources: Inquirer Archives, DOT, Official Calendar of the Republic, Historical Calendar (1521-1969), gov.ph
