Philippine man nailed to cross for 36th time to mark Good Friday

South China Morning Post

18-04-2025

Catholics in the Philippines marked Good Friday with gory re-enactments of the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, including one grandfather nailed to a cross for his 36th time, amid warnings of temperatures reaching dangerous levels.
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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 60km (37 miles) north of Manila, where thousands of visitors gathered to witness the extreme acts of faith.
Ruben Enaje, 64, took the lead role in the tradition in San Pedro Cutud and was nailed to the cross for the 36th time after carrying a wooden cross weighing 27kg (60lbs) for nearly 2km.
Ruben Enaje is carried after being nailed to the cross during his reenactment of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Friday. Photo: Reuters
The grandfather of seven said he had to make adjustments to the cross he carried to make it lighter from the original weight of 37kg.