Extreme penance ritual: bloody crucifixions for Good Friday in the Philippines

Extreme penance ritual: bloody crucifixions for Good Friday in the Philippines

On April 18, 2025, numerous Catholics in the Philippines commit traditional Good Friday rituals, which include mourning and extreme expressions of belief. In many cities and villages, believers gather in churches and take part in processions to celebrate Easter - the most important religious festival in the country. Despite the oppressive heat, hundreds of thousands of thousands of them nationwide and thus show their unshakable devotion.

in the province of Pampanga, about 60 kilometers north of Manila, the practices achieve a special intensity. Here, in San Pedro Cutud, the most striking rituals take place in which dozens of people can be nailed to wooden crosses in order to remember the suffering and death of Christ. One of the most remarkable participants is Ruben Enaje, who took over the main role for the 36th time and carried a 27 kilogram wooden cross almost two kilometers to a hill. The 60-year-old Joselito Capili was also nailed to the cross in the nearby village of Santa Lucia, it was his 20th time.

self -flagellation and showing faith

The rituals in the Philippines not only remind of the crucifixion of Jesus, but are also an expression of a deeply rooted faith. Believers often hit their backs with whip until they are bloody. For many, these drastic measures mean a form of penance. Nevertheless, the Catholic Church remains ambivalent in its attitude. Officially, she does not encourage such extreme acts, but does little to stop these practices.

The Catholic Community of Philippines has over 90 million members and is the third largest in the world, to Brazil and Mexico. This impressive number illustrates how important religion is for the lives of many people in this country. The Good Friday rituals that celebrate the death of Christ and at the same time demonstrate their own faith attract thousands of onlookers who want to experience the haunting atmosphere and the dedication of the participants.

Despite the loud voices within the church, which speak of reason and moderation, the urge to self -flait and crucifixion remains strong. Although many Catholics gather during the celebrations in both churches and on the streets, the confrontation with the extreme rituals remains an issue that captivates not only the believers, but also society in the Philippines.