Holy Week in the Philippines 2012 – Semana Santa

While eighty-five percent of the population in the country is Catholic, Holy Week in the Philippines is an important event every year. Just like those amazing fiestas every month from the different corners all around its 7,107 islands, Semana Santa will always be a special celebration – a way to remember Christ’s love and sacrifice and his resurrection.

Holy Week here is highlighted by the Cenakulo and Passion (where people sing Christ’s life and passion) and the Christ’s Crucifixion enactment. There’s a place in my hometown, Pampanga where a few sacrifice to be nailed on the cross as a form of penitence. It’s in Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga. Of course, everyone has their own way of fasting and abstinence and remembering Christ’s passion. Whilst there’s a long weekend of holiday, some people take the time to spend Holy Week by going to beaches like Boracay to enjoy or to reflect.

Again, I made this hub to share some of Philippines’ Holy Week this 2012. Hope you love the photos. I uploaded some pics from the usual procession we attend every year. Looking forward to upload the photos from our Bisita Iglesia in my new website.

This year, Holy Week here starts at April 2, 2012 until April 8. April 5 is Maundy Thursday while April 6 is Good Friday. Black Saturday will be on April 7 and Easter Sunday the next day.

This is the statue of the dead Christ, known as the Santo Entierro, on a decorated "Calandra", funeral carriage. Usually it’s the second to the last line of the procession. There were around 30 saints and statues from the convoy and the last one will always be the Mater Dolorosa.

The life-size Saint statues are maybe as much as older as this beautiful ancestral house. Always love seeing vintage houses like this one as we walk along with the procession. This house was built during the Spanish times in the Philippines. Probably around three hundred years old or more. My sister asked me if I could sleep here one night alone for five thousand. Could you?

This is the book called Pasyon, (Passion) it’s a lyrical narrative poem about Jesus' life and passion. The words are sung by devotees, continuously, day and night, and usually before Maundy Thursday. This one is so old, probably hundreds of years already and is written in Kapampangan dialect.

This one was just one from the number of people who have their own way of sacrifice, expressions of penance, in fulfillment of a vow, or in thanksgiving for a granted request. Some people like I said have themselves nailed on the cross during Good Friday, at three o’clock in the afternoon (the time Jesus is traditionally believed to have died). I could have uploaded more related photos but due to moderation, I haven’t done it as they are so bloody.

Following these days will be Black Saturday and the happiest day, the Easter Sunday. The Lenten Season is indeed a meaningful celebration as a Filipino and as a Catholic. Those who have gone abroad always miss the feeling of celebrating Holy Week here. I hope you have enjoyed this hub and the pictures. Till next time.

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