BARANGAY San Pedro Cutud in San Fernando, Pampanga, is known for reenactments of Jesus Christ’s passion and death during the Holy Week. It’s considered by some as more than just a tradition, as they do it to commemorate the sufferings and sacrifices of Jesus Christ.
PTV reported that citizens of Barangay San Pedro Cutud have started preparing for the upcoming Lenten rites where people prepare themselves to be voluntarily crucified on Black Friday.
This year, it is estimated that there are 80% of people in Barangay San Pedro who will participate in the crucifixions.
According to their barangay captain, Cutud residents and the city government are preparing for the upcoming crucifixions. This is especially so since many people flock to the area during the Holy Week.
The barangay and the city government have also made plans to ensure everyone’s safety by coordinating with Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, City Health Office, and CPOSCO.
While it is expected that many people will attend the crucifixions, the barangay noted that the number of people attending depends on the weather.
“For example, when the weather is hot, it’s expected that there won’t be a lot of people attending the crucifixions. When the weather is cloudy, there will be a lot of people in the area,” they said.
They also claimed that compared to the 8,000 to 10,000 people who arrived last year, they estimate that the number of attendees will increase this year to 15,000.
The low number of attendees in previous years were due to the COVID-19 lockdown.
Activities in Cutud are set to start at 11 a.m., when the reenactment of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion would be narrated, according to the barangay.
One of the participants in Cutud is 63-year-old Ruben Enaje, who will portray Jesus.
Tatay Ruben said that a few days before Good Friday, he prepares his body through exercises to increase his endurance. He also needs a good night’s sleep to brace himself mentally.
Tatay Ruben has been getting crucified on the cross voluntarily in the last 20 years in Cutud.
The cross that Tatay Ruben will be carrying is ready for the procession, where he’ll be walking on the hill where the crucifixion will be performed.
