Filipinos mark Good Friday with crucifixion rituals, processions
Catholics in the Philippines marked Good Friday with gory re-enactments of the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, amid warnings of intense heat reaching dangerous levels.
Churches nationwide were also packed with devotees attending Masses and prayers, while others joined various religious processions despite temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius in places.
In over a dozen areas in the country, penitents were nailed to wooden crosses while others whipped their backs bloody as an annual ritual for thanksgiving, penance and prayers.
The most popular site of the crucifixions is the village of San Pedro Cutud, about 60 kilometres north of Manila, where thousands of visitors gathered to witness the extreme acts of faith.
Ruben Enaje, 64, was taking the lead role in the annual tradition in San Pedro Cutud and would be nailed to the cross for the 36th time after carrying a wooden cross weighing 27 kilograms for nearly 2 kilometres to a hill.
The grandfather of seven said he had to make adjustments to the cross he carried to make it lighter from the original weight of 37 kilograms.
'Unfortunately, I am getting weaker with age,' he said. 'The cross has become too heavy for me to carry so I had to shave off 10 kilos.'
'I will try to still take part in the ritual next year, but if not, I know someone will take my place and continue the tradition,' he added.
The Catholic Church does not encourage the extreme acts of faith, but does little to stop the practice.
Good Friday is a solemn Christian observance that commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ; it falls during Holy Week and leads up to Easter Sunday, in which the faithful celebrate his resurrection.
Easter week is the most important religious event in the Philippines, where more than 85% of the population is Catholic. Most of the week had been declared public holidays to allow Filipinos to visit their home provinces or take vacations. Government offices, private companies and commercial establishments are closed.
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