Massive participation again this year despite the increase in fuel prices
Hundreds of Filipinos and tourists gathered on Good Friday to witness the country’s bloodiest religious event, with massive participation again this year, despite rising fuel prices in a country facing an energy emergency.
Dozens of shirtless men, their faces covered with cloths, walked barefoot through the dusty streets of San Fernando, in Pampanga province, northwest of Manila, flogging their backs with bamboo whips in the scorching heat. Reporters observed worshipers deliberately piercing their skin with shards of glass attached to small wooden boards to ensure they would bleed during the ritual, a way to cleanse themselves of sins and hope for a miracle.
“I do this to pray for the healing of my seven-month-old baby, who has pneumonia,” said John David, whip in hand, at the start of the procession. “My grandfather started it, then my father, and now it’s my turn,” the 49-year-old added. “Over the years, I have witnessed miracles of healing through this act of faith.” This annual spectacle, which commemorates the Passion, crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ in this predominantly Catholic country, typically attracts 12,000 spectators, tourists and residents.
Many witnessed the culminating moment of the event: when the faithful were driven nails about eight centimeters long into the palms of their hands before being hoisted onto a cross.
