Good Friday is a significant religious holiday in the Philippines, a country acknowledged for having the largest Christian population in Asia. Known as 'Biyernes Santo', Good Friday is part of the country's observance of the Holy Week or 'Semana Santa', leading up to Easter Sunday. The holiday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary, a pivotal event in Christian history.
In the Philippines, commemoration practices on Good Friday are rather distinctive and intense. A blend of folk and ecclesiastical influences has given rise to various local customs and rituals that shape the day. This includes processions, the reading of the 'Pasyon' - a poetic narrative regarding the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, and 'Sinakulo' – a dramatic performance portraying the Passion of Jesus Christ. The majority of the Filipinos spend the day in prayer, fasting and reflection, and attend the liturgical services in the Church.
Perhaps the most internationally recognized practice are the actual crucifixions in San Pedro Cutud, in the province of Pampanga. Devotees, whose numbers often include foreigners, voluntarily have themselves nailed to crosses as a form of penance or thanksgiving. While frowned upon by the Catholic Church, these dramatic expressions of faith draw thousands of spectators each year. Despite the serious and somber tone of Good Friday in the Philippines, it is also a time for family gatherings and renewal of bonds.