Push Admin

‘Great event to see live’: Pinoy crucifixion in the eyes of some tourists

Article (news)

Ronn Bautista, Reuters

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2019/tvpatrol/04/12/20190419-ruben-enaje-crucifixion-re-enactment.jpg"/><figcaption>Ruben Enaje, 58, who portrays Jesus Christ, grimaces in pain after being nailed on a wooden cross during crucifixion re-enactment on Good Friday in San Fernando City, Pampanga province, Philippines, April 19, 2019. Eloisa Lopez, Reuters</figcaption></figure></div>CUTUD, Philippines - Hundreds of tourists watched in shock as actors dressed as Roman soldiers hammered four-inch nails through the hands and feet of a Filipino into a wooden cross for the 33rd time in a Good Friday re-enactment of Jesus Christ&#x27;s crucifixion.The gory display of devotion, which the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines looks down upon, draws tourists to the province of Pampanga, north of the capital, year after year as barefoot penitents also whip themselves as a form of penance.&quot;I thought they wouldn&#x27;t be nailed but they were really nailed, and it was for me a great event to see it live,&quot; said German tourist Johann Tenken.Devotees, including 58-year old Ruben Enaje who has performed the act 33 times, believe their penance will wash away their sins, cure illness and lead to blessings.Enaje was among the four people who were nailed to crosses in the village, including a woman taking part for the 17th time.The crucifixions were the most extreme display of faith this mainly Catholic country, where millions were praying and fasting ahead of the Easter weekend.Five other Filipinos were nailed to crosses in two other villages in Pampanga.&quot;At the end of the day, you have to respect the people doing this because that&#x27;s devotion,&quot; said Filipino tourist Bianca Yao.Christians believe Jesus died on the cross to pay for the sins of humanity and rose from the dead two days later.

The gory display of devotion, which the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines looks down upon, draws tourists to the province of Pampanga.

The gory display of devotion, which the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines looks down upon, draws tourists to the province of Pampanga.

‘Great event to see live’: Pinoy crucifixion in the eyes of some tourists

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Spotlight

‘Great event to see live’: Pinoy crucifixion in the eyes of some tourists

Ronn Bautista,

Reuters

Published April 19, 2019 10:08 PM PHT

Read More:

Cutud

Pampanga

crucifixion

Good Friday

Holy Week

Semana Santa

devotee

devotion

faith

Catholic Church

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.