March 26 to April 1
Moriones (Moryonan)
The religious tradition at Mogpog town in Marinduque province features locals wearing wooden masks and centurion helmets (called “morion”) to imitate a Roman soldier. Most masks feature sharp eyes and a beard, and display a villainous scowl. The event was introduced by Augustinian Recollect priest Dionisio Santiago to entice people from remote villages to gather in the parish, especially on Holy Week. Participants believe that wearing costumes and walking long distances are forms of sacrifice that would ensure them good health, protection and bountiful harvests.
March 28 to 31
Healing Festival
An annual festival during Holy Week at Siquijor town in Siquijor province that started in 2006. The event was created to ward off the image of Siquijor as home to witchcraft and promote the province as a haven for healing. Tourists and patients climb Siquijor’s highest peak, Mt. Bandilaan, where faith healers and herbalists sell amulets and potions for illnesses.
March 30
Cutud Lenten Rites
The reenactment of the passion and death of Jesus Christ is part of the Holy Week tradition at Barangay San Pedro Cutud in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga province. Cutud converts into a local Calvary every Good Friday, becoming the stage for real-life crucifixion, flagellation and the reenactment of the “Via Crucis” (Way of the Cross). Tourists and devotees visit Cutud for the Lenten rites, but the Roman Catholic Church prohibits violent forms of penance or penitence.
Compiled by Kathleen de Villa, Inquirer Research
Sources: Inquirer Archives, DOT, officialgazette.gov.ph, nhcp.gov.ph