Thousands of pilgrims flock to Albay’s Kawa-kawa Hill on Good Friday

More than 56,000 pilgrims and devotees prayed to the statues of Kawa-kawa Hill in Ligao City, Albay on Good Friday. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

LIGAO CITY, Albay—More than 56,000 pilgrims and devotees visited Kawa-kawa Hill and natural park in Albay province to pray and do the “Way of the Cross” on Good Friday.

The hill, known as the hill without the hilltop because of its cualdron shape, is known as one of Bicol Region’s favorite destinations during the Lenten season. The faithful visit the hill for its life size sculptures depicting the 14 Stations of the Cross.

Representative Fernando Gonzalez said the pilgrims have visited the place to meditate and share the sacrifice of Jesus Christ by staging of the Way of the Cross. Also known as Way of Sorrows or Via Crucis, the Way of the Cross involves praying before a series of images depicting the crucifixion.

Free rides using electric tricycles were available to senior citizens and persons with disabilities who cannot climb the hill.

Maria Nini Ong Ravanilla, Department of Tourism regional director, said that Ligao City, particularly Kawa-kawa hill, should be declared as a pilgrim site due to the increasing number of tourists that visit the area every year.