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