Good Friday observance in Barangay (barrio) San Pedro Cutud, in San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines Photo courtesy: By istolethetv from Hong Kong, China (carried Uploaded by Fæ) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Where: Barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga Philippines
When: April 14, 2017, starts at 12:00 NN
The re-enactment rites during Maleldo (‘Holy Week’ in Kapampangan, Pampanga’s local language) goes back to the 1950s.
Although religious in nature, the Catholic Church in the Philippines condemns the crucifixion event and does not endorse it.
But even without the Church’s support, the event still draws in both local and foreign tourists, with many visiting the Philippines for the first time just to witness the re-enactment rites.
Hostels and hotels around the area get booked out early so it is best to plan in advance. Here are some of the accommodation options around San Pedro Cutud:
- Maharlika Hostel: 3.5 kms. away
- Lewana Lodge Hotel: 7 kms. away
- Otel Pampanga: 8 kms. away
- Sogo Hotel Pampanga: 8.5 kms. away
And here are some more tips:
- Arrive early. Rites in Barangay Cutud start at 12:00 NN, but the venue gets full as early as 9:00 AM.
- Prepare to get soaked under the sun. It’s going to be the onset of summer, and the Philippines, being a tropical country, is known for a hot and humid summer.
- If you’re not into “bloody” things, think twice. There are other penitents in the area including flagellants who whip themselves up as they walk on their knees. You can bring an extra set of clothes just in case you get splats of blood.
