A fair warning this is NSFW! During Holy Week there is a tradition here in Pampanga. Flagellation, carry the cross or crawl to the ground. When I was a kid, I used to see someone do a backflip where their back was the first thing to hit the ground. I never saw this one again maybe because of injuries.
Flagellation.
Here is my neighbor getting cut using blade, then whip themselves with bamboo sticks attached to ropes. The number of sticks used often represents the years a penitent vows to perform the ritual. For my neighbor 30 bamboo sticks (30 years). He did 25 year already so 5 more years.
Another one.
This is my neighbors friend it's his firs time doing this. So we need to watch out for him. Many first timers pass out because of heat exhaustion, lost of blood and most important nervousness.
Pabasa.
They will walk barefoot during these Pabasa or Bible readings. It's up to them how many they will attend.
Last Pabasa.
We did 9 of this Bible reads and went back home. Note I just came along and watch.
The aftermath.
Back in the 90's (the no phone era) these are all sacred to them. Now it is different mostly do it for the clout. I saw a lot of teenagers who have no idea what is the true meaning of this. We have a law here that doesn't allow teenagers to take part but their excuse is for their sins. It is so sad actually.
Teenagers 馃檭.
I went to the famous barangay here in our city during Holy week (Pampang). People drink and watch the penitent. And you guess it right 60% are teenagers as young as 14 years old. The street looks like a party tradition ha 馃槀.
As always God bless you all!
