Christian religious festivals rule daily life in the Philippines, particularly in the countryside. San Fernando is a good example, just 70 km from the city of Manila on Luzon island, this town is famous for being the site of the crucifixion ceremony that takes place on Good Friday each year. A staged 'crucifixion' of 10 pious Christians and flagellation by thousands of other participants. To some the event is a display of piety and to thank god for blessings; to others, they are gruesome...
more »Christian religious festivals rule daily life in the Philippines, particularly in the countryside. San Fernando is a good example, just 70 km from the city of Manila on Luzon island, this town is famous for being the site of the crucifixion ceremony that takes place on Good Friday each year. A staged 'crucifixion' of 10 pious Christians and flagellation by thousands of other participants. To some the event is a display of piety and to thank god for blessings; to others, they are gruesome displays of outdated religious fervour. As many as ten men each year volunteer to be Jesus and are nailed to the cross with slender silvery spikes. Spectators act out the events of the three days that led up to Christ's crucifixion that shaped the structure of the whole Christian faith.
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