Rizal

The christian ritual of Penitencia is performed in Cainta, Rizal Province, Philippines. Every year on Good Friday, a devotee in hopes of being absolved from sin plays the role of Christ and voluntarily sacrifices himself to be flailed and whipped, and be crucified on a cross. Others dress up like Roman soldiers and do all the nailing and the torturing.

Most of the wounds are shallow and superficial. This spectacle might seem barbaric to a foreigner, however it has been a long-held tradition accepted by many of the inhabitants not only of Cainta, but of other parts of the country as well. This is held by 10 different groups at the Liwasang Bayan (town plaza) and in other parts of town.

Philippines - Rizal