The number of people who joined in this year’s procession was considerably less than in previous years. Maybe because there’s a procession in Pilapila and in another barrio. The devotees were split in three. I estimated the number of people to be 50% less than the previous year.
We arrived in Libis quite late. The procession started not long after we arrived. We were still setting up our water stations, na dyan na pala sila
There were fewer santos this year. Maybe some joined in Pilapila and in another barrio.
We started serving ice cold water at the beginning of the procession.
Thirsty devotees.
In last Friday’s procession, there were not too many people following the first batch of santos, that’s why as early as 6:30 pm came the lull. Usually, the lull would come at 8 pm. The two or three hours interval happens because the next one is the Santo Sepulcro or Santo Entierro, otherwise known as the Giwang-giwang.
From 6:30 pm to 10:30, we served water, ice candy, bread. I started giving away the white towels around 9 pm.
Chino, son of Chingching
Although the number of people who followed the santos decreased, the number of men carrying and following the Santo Entierro remained the same.
10:30 pm
The highlight of the Byernes Santo (Good Friday) street procession is the procession of the dead Christ lying in his wooden calandra or andas which used to be encased in glass but every year, the glass breaks.
The wooden image of dead Jesus is carried by hundreds or even thousands of men wearing white. Each trying to get closer to the Entierro as a way of their penitence (penitensya) and repentance. They also believe that by carrying his body, they would be cured of illness, helped with their problems, etc.
The men wearing red keep order and also assist the believers in rubbing the white towels or pieces of cloth on the image of Christ. I myself rub this towel on my face when I am sick or not feeling well, whether physically or emotionally.
The funeral procession of Christ is a solemn Catholic ritual. One must be silent and be still while the Giwang-giwang (Santo Entierro) passes. One must pray, ask for forgiveness of sins.
Those in the procession following the female santos bring their own foldable chairs otherwise they would not last. Last Friday’s procession ended at 3 in the morning.
to be continued
