In commemoration of the Holy Week in the Philippines we would like to share to our viewers some information about the Holy Week “Mahal na Araw” and the popular Senakulo “Cenacle” the traditional play of Jesus Christ’s passion and death. In the Philippines, it is the time of the year when Christians celebrate the Holy Week with friends and families while on fasting. (Not eating meat.) The Senakulo is a very popular view among locals especially tourist visitors as it depicts the passion and death of Christ in the streets. Some Senakulo even goes to an extent that the character of Christ played by local Filipinos, is nailed on the cross literally and live. These are even shown on live television documentaries and news channels worldwide. Devotion to this week long commemoration has also having some devotees whipping themselves while walking in the streets. It is a repentance for the sins committed and a devotion/promise to God and called in local language called as “Penitensya“.

These are some of the photos of the popular Senakulo in th Philippines during the Holy Week or Lenten Season.

Tags: cenacle, holy week, lent, senakulo

Ati-Atihan Festival

Ati-Atihan is a popular yearly festival in the Philippines. Traditional and widely known, it is considered as the grandest of all festivities in the Philippines. It is a very colorful popular summer festival similar to that of Mardi Gras in New Orleans and with a rhythm of monotonous drum beatings and rhythmic tinkling of metals. Participants wear brandish, colorful costumes and paint their faces with soot and the festivity continues for up to 3 weeks of dancing, procession and parades.

History:
In the 13th century, A group of Malay Datus who fled Borneo and landed in Panay Islands bought lands from its original dwellers, The Ati. To celebrate of the new pact and land ownership both the Malay Datus and the Atis held a celebration to commemorate the new pact. In order to show gratitude to the original dwellers, the Malay Datus painted their faces and bodies to look like the Atis.

Origin: Kalibo, Aklan

Festival Date: Event is usually held in January and lasts until the third Sunday.

Accommodations are abundant in Aklan and is close by to Boracay. We advise to book your reservations before the festivity and check local travel agents for travel plans and accommodation availability. This an exciting and wonderful experience of a historical Fiesta.

Tags: aklan, ati-atihan, feast, fiesta, kalibo, mardi gras