How Is Good Friday Celebrated In The Philippines?

Those considering a trip to the Phllippines or who have extended family living or moving there may ask "How is Good Friday celebrated in the Philippines?" The answer to this question is that Good Friday celebrated in the Philippines is quite an affair. The majority of the population is Christian, mostly Roman Catholic; this holiday is consequently of great importance to the vast majority of the people.

1. The Way of the Cross refers to the 14 stations of the cross, or depictions of Jesus' final hours as observed in the Roman Catholic faith. These are normally represented by 14 pictures representing various scenes surrounding the crucifixion, burial, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. For believers, the Way of the Cross is meant to be a kind of psychological pilgrimage focused on prayer and meditation. Good Friday celebrated in the Philippines often includes community gatherings including group prayer and singing.
2. Processions much like solemn religious parades are conducted in villages throughout the Philippines on Good Friday. Main focal points of these processions are Jesus, the final hours leading up to the crucifixion and Mary.
3. Senakulo, a play depicting the Passion, is also an important component of Good Friday celebrations in the Philippines. These are often community events, as are many of the celebrations on this day. This is a traditional Good Friday ritual which is quite common in Catholicism.
4. A relatively new and somewhat disturbing trend in how Good Friday is celebrated in the Philippines is the re-enactment of the crucifixion. In these cases, voluntary participants are actually nailed to a cross as a sort of religious tribute to Jesus. This self-sacrifice is not endorsed by the Church and is in fact frowned upon. However, it is a slowly growing trend that has brought much attention to the area in recent years; tourism to observe this spectacle in person has increased.
5. A final part of the Good Friday celebration in the Philippines is the solemnity and silence that falls over the villages beginning at 3 pm, the time at which Jesus is traditionally thought to have died. Beginning at this time on Good Friday, Filipinos are urged to remain serious, silent and still as they wait for the arrival of Easter Sunday. Many stores, radio stations and television networks close in observance of the holiday at this time. Remaining media outlets generally limit shows to those of a highly religious nature.

Those wondering more about how Good Friday is celebrated in the Philippines should consider a trip there to see for themselves the many celebrations, observations and events of the day. To Filipinos, Good Friday is of great significance; it is a day in which they remember the great sacrifice of Jesus. It is upon this that much of their religious belief, culture and tradition is based. Observing Good Friday in the Philippines provides a unique opportunity to glimpse that which is of great importance to this country and its people.

References:

Mary in Phillipine Life

Country Profile: Phillipines