San Pedro Cutud, Philippines – In a striking display of religious devotion and tradition, Christian devotees in the Philippines participated in a dramatic reenactment of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday. The event, which took place in the northern village of San Pedro Cutud in Pampanga province, drew hundreds of local and international spectators.
At the heart of the ceremony was 64-year-old Ruben Enaje, who portrayed Christ for the 36th time. As in previous years, Enaje was nailed to a wooden cross with two-inch iron spikes driven through his palms by actors dressed as Roman soldiers. Two other men also took part in the reenactment, which has become a controversial but deeply rooted Holy Week tradition in the predominantly Catholic country.
“The first five seconds were very painful,” Enaje said after descending from the cross. “But as the blood flows, the pain numbs. That’s when I can endure it longer.”
Enaje, a local sign painter, began participating in the ritual in the 1980s after surviving a fall from a building. He says his yearly crucifixion is an expression of gratitude and spiritual renewal.
The performers were supported with ropes and fabric to prevent serious injury as their crosses were lifted before the watching crowds. Despite the graphic nature of the ritual, the atmosphere was reverent, and many onlookers viewed the spectacle as a powerful expression of faith.
The Philippines, home to roughly 110 million people, is about 80% Roman Catholic. Holy Week, spanning from Palm Sunday to Easter, is one of the most sacred observances in the country’s religious calendar. For many, it is a time of intense spiritual reflection, repentance, and penance.
Beyond the crucifixions, other traditional acts of devotion were seen throughout the week. In several towns, penitents walked barefoot through the streets, whipping their own backs with bamboo whips until they bled — another act of atonement meant to symbolize Christ’s suffering.
However, these extreme practices have long been discouraged by the Catholic Church. Church leaders emphasize that true repentance lies in prayer, reflection, and inner transformation, not physical harm.
“The Church does not promote self-flagellation or crucifixion,” said a spokesperson for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines. “Lent is a time for prayer, confession, and returning to God — not for hurting oneself.”
Despite such warnings, these Good Friday rituals continue to thrive in certain communities, where a blend of folk belief, personal promises, and Catholic teachings gives rise to uniquely Filipino expressions of faith.
Local authorities reported that no major injuries occurred during this year’s reenactments, though medical personnel were on standby throughout the event.
The San Pedro Cutud crucifixion has become a globally recognized tradition, drawing both faithful pilgrims and curious tourists each year. While opinions on its merit remain divided, for many participants and viewers alike, it remains a profound and unforgettable encounter with the story of sacrifice at the heart of Christianity.
