Pampanga observes 50th anniv of crucifixion rites

Thursday 29th of March 2012

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, March 29 (PIA) -- The annual crucifixion rites in this province will be observing its 50th anniversary on April 6, Good Friday.

The event dubbed “Maleldo” will be held at the villages of San Pedro Cutud, Sta. Lucia and San Juan where 40,000 to 50,000 foreign and local nationalities will attend to witness the re-enactment of Christ’s crucifixion,” said Marnie Castro, vice chairperson of the Maleldo 2012 committee.

According to Castro, starting at 2 p.m., at least 20 persons will be nailed in the wooden crosses in the said three villages. And for this year, for the 26th time, Ben Enaje of San Pedro Cutud will portray the role as Christ.

“Maleldo is one of the continuing spiritual tradition in this city. The season of Lent also shows how we, Fernandinos value our beliefs by preserving and promoting our rich heritage and culture,” Mayor Oscar Rodriguez disclosed.

“I am encouraging locals and tourists to use this opportune time to discover San Fernando’s places of solitude by visiting churches found in this city,” the mayor added.

“Maleldo” which is a Kapampangan word for Holy Week was first started in the year 1962. It is a yearly tradition of faith of Kapampangan Catholic Devotees where people remember the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

The devotees also believed that through their involvement in this, their sins will be forgiven if they wound their bodies or carry a heavy cross. (CLJD/JGB-PIA3)