pulp on Friday in a gory ritual to mark the death of Jesus Christ.
extreme displays of religious devotion in this mainly Catholic country, where millions are praying and fasting ahead of the Easter weekend. In the small village of Cutud, about 80km north of Manila, seven men feet before they were hoisted up in the scorching heat.
Up to 20,000 people watched the spectacle, which has grown from a in other parts of the country. The atmosphere was festive, with hawkers selling beer, ice-cream and souvenir whips. Led Zeppelin's Stairway to Heaven blared out from speakers before the penitents approached the crosses.
"I don't like the festivities. It should have been more solemn," said Pauline, a tourist from Poland, but added: "I believe in the sincerity of the volunteers, it was very moving." For hours before the crucifixions, lines of men, hooded and half naked, glass.
Blood splattered over the road. and flagellations as a misrepresentation of the faith. But participants, many of whom have been nailed multiple times, say they do it as a sacrifice for their families.
A priest from Bangladesh said the ritual was a wonderful experience. "Through this, faith can be solidified. I was very touched by it," said Father Robert Gonsalves, who is studying in the Philippines.
nun and a Japanese man, who later allowed footage of his ordeal to be used in a pornographic film. No one has ever died during the rituals.
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