Holy Week in the Philippines

Holy Week (also known as Semana Santa or Mahal na Araw) is the most important religious event the Philippines celebrates. Maybe because Philipines have one of the most number Roman Catholics all over the world. The event lasts for a week which starts from Palm Sunday (Palaspas) and lasts on Easter Sunday (Linggo ng Pagkabuhay). In between, “Pabasa” (reading of life of Jesus with tune) usually done on Maundy Thursday to Holy Friday (non-stop reading), the procession of Saints on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday for the Roman Catholics and Thursday, Friday and Sunday for the Aglipayans. There’s also called “Penitensya”. It is done in many ways like carrying a cross on the street like what Jesus did, hitting oneself at their back with rope or belt, fasting, walking far distance bare footed, etc…

This picture shows the preparation of the procession of Saints (which I am participating since I was 9 years old) in San Roque, Marikina City, Philippines. Lot of people from nearby towns visit the place only to witness the procession. This year, 2008 there are 53 participants who joined the event (just imagine how long the procession is). My relatives own a St. Jude Thaddeus image.

On the other hand, for non-religious ones, since it is the longest vacation from work, it is the time where they take their summer escapades. It is the time where all the expressways are congested. People go out-of-town to relax and unwind. To name a few of the famous destinations are Boracay, Baguio City (Summer Capital of the Philippines for having a cool temperature), Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro, beaches in Palawan, Pearl Farm in Davao, etc…

I can say that Holy Week is one of the much awaited holiday in the Philippines. How do you celebrate this religious event in your place?