If you think that Guimaras is the only province staging "Pagtaltal" or the enactment of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the cross during Holy Week in Western Visayas, you got it all wrong.
Negros Occidental and its capital city will also stage the same activity during Good Friday on March 29, according to Provincial Tourism Officer Cristine Mansinares.
"Thousands of Roman Catholics here are looking forward to it and this has been a tradition every Lent," Mansinares told PNA.
The "Pagtaltal" in the metro is organized by the San Sebastian Church and played by its youth core group.
Live re-enactment of the "Seven Last Words" on Good Friday can likewise be experienced at the hills of Barangay La Granja in La Carlota City.
La Carlota City's own version of "Pagtaltal" dubbed as "Calvary Enactment" is using a community-based and multi-sectoral theatrical approach. The play is often organized by Fr. Jesmar Manato of San Vicente Ferrer Parish.
Mansinares said they are expecting a surge of devotees from neighboring provinces to flock in the cities of Bacolod and La Carlota to witness the two separate religious activities for the Holy Week.
The observance of Holy Week this year spans from March 24-30. Palm Sunday marks its beginning.
On this day, palm leaves are blessed outside the church and the faithful will wave these during the solemn procession before the celebration of the Holy Mass.
From Holy Monday until Holy Wednesday, the liturgy of the word features Gospels that recount events in Jesus' journey to the cross including his "Last Supper."
The crucifixes and figures of saints in the church's altars are all covered by violet clothes as during the Holy Thursday. It is also during this day when priests will enact the washing of the feet of the apostles and Masses for renewal of their vows are held.
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