Pampanga preparing crucifixion tours

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – This early, tour packages can be arranged for foreign and local tourists who would like to witness the "Maleldo," a one-week commemoration of Holy Week which winds up with the actual nailing of penitents on wooden crosses on Good Friday.

The city tourism office is bracing for the arrival of thousands of visitors in Barangay San Pedro Cutud here for the crucifixions and urged tourists to avail themselves of its tour packages and tour assistance.

"The city government is promoting and preserving Fernandino culture through Maleldo," said Ian Ong Mejia of the city tourism office yesterday. Maleldo is a contracted Kapampangan word that means "holy days."

The Maleldo commemoration, Mejia said, will be highlighted by a faithful reenactment of the Way of the Cross or Via Crucis and the sorrowful crucifixion of Jesus Christ."

In recent years, residents of the nearby barangays of Sta. Lucia and San Juan also staged actual crucifixions of penitents, but these were not preceded by the colorful Via Crucis, Mejia said.

"The chanting of the story of Christ’s passion and death called ‘Pasyon,’ the solemn meditations at the Stations of the Cross, and the penitents locally known as magdarame who carry wooden crosses and inflict wounds on their backs are just few of the well-preserved rituals of the Kapampangans in observing Holy Week," Mejia said.

While some Catholic leaders frown on the bloody practices, Mejia said local flagellants adhere to their Holy Week practices not only with sincerity, but also with "artistry and dignity."

Mejia said Mayor Oscar Rodriguez is promoting and preserving local Lenten traditions as part of his eight-point agenda for the development of his city.

"The city government proudly promotes the Fernandinos’ artistic quality which is showcased in the solemn manifestation of faith during Holy Week," he said.

Ricardo Navarro, one of San Fernando’s local writers, wrote the Kapampangan script used in the staging of the Via Crucis, Mejia said.

Mejia said the first Via Crucis in San Pedro Cutud was performed 52 years ago by local volunteer artists.

"Later, it became a notable event for the barrio. It was in 1962 when Artemio Añoza of Apalit, Pampanga volunteered to be nailed on a wooden cross to gain divine approval for his dream to become a good religious leader and full-fledged faith healer," Mejia recalled.

Since then, others have volunteered to be nailed on the cross in the barangay on Good Friday for various reasons. Some seek divine favor and, with the favor obtained, make a vow to be nailed on the cross for a number of years to show their gratitude.

Mejia urged those interested in availing themselves of Holy Week tour packages to get in touch with his office at (045) 961-5684 or e-mail at [email protected].