Good Friday, known locally as Biyernes Santo, is one of the most solemn and deeply observed days in the Philippines, a country where over 80% of the population is Roman Catholic. It commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ and is part of the Holy Week (Semana Santa) leading up to Easter Sunday.
On this day, Filipinos across the country participate in various acts of penance, reflection, and devotion. Many towns hold dramatic re-enactments of the Passion of Christ, called Senakulo, while others stage the Way of the Cross or Via Crucis, a procession that retraces Jesus’ steps to Calvary.
Churches are filled with quiet worshippers throughout the day, and most businesses close in respect for the sacredness of the occasion. In some provinces, devotees take part in extreme forms of penance—such as self-flagellation or even crucifixion—as acts of faith and repentance, though the Catholic Church does not officially endorse these practices.
Food is kept simple—usually fish and vegetables—as many observe fasting and abstinence. The mood is sombre, streets are quieter, and television and radio stations often shift to religious programming.
[Photo by JMIP]
