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Cultural Shows and Events
Passion of Christ
Senakulo is the most awaited spectacle
during Lenten season in Alaminos. The city mourns the
Savior’s death with a reenactment and a solemn parade.
In this age, tradition blends with modern art to
commemorate Christ’s sacrifice. Households near the
church wait eagerly and with a bit of scare, for the
visit of acting Roman soldiers with their menacingly
painted masks and armors, pounding on doors to search
for Jesus. At the day of Christ’s suffering and death,
people gather at the church to witness the reenactment,
most anticipated among the episodes are the judgment of
Jesus, the Crucifixion and His Seven Last Words.
The routine of the reenactment has not changed, but its
presentation is infused with a fresh flavor to reach the
modern-world absorbed consciousness of the new
generation.
After this, icons of saints, Mother Mary and Jesus
mounted on carriages, drawn by men are positioned in
front of the St. Joseph Cathedral. Once, they’re lined
accordingly, people choose the icon they want to follow
through the parade, with lit candles in their hands.
Then, the procession begins.
The Birhen Dolorosa (an icon of the grieving
Mother Mary, elegantly dressed and surrounded by round
lamps and flowers) attracts many women, mostly mothers.
While the Santo Bangkay (a wooden figure of dead Jesus
encased in a covered glass coffin) is a top favorite. It
is escorted by the acting Roman soldiers, forming a
tight guard, as if to ward off anyone who tries to steal
Jesus’ body. Other icons with the most following would
be the Pieta, the Agony in the Garden and
Carrying of the Cross. The procession ends in the
church where devotees, usually sisterhoods for the
rosary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus, continue to
pray.
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