Every Holy Week, streets across the Philippines become living theaters, hosting one of the country’s most unique and deeply rooted Catholic traditions: the Senákulo.
This dramatic reenactment of the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is not just a performance; it’s a way for communities to share the Gospel and experience the story of Christ’s sacrifice in a profound, personal way.
The Meaning Behind the Senákulo Tradition
The Senákulo, a practice that dates back to the Spanish colonial period, brings the Passion of Christ to life on the streets for everyone to witness.
The word “Senákulo” comes from the Spanish word cenáculo, meaning “upper room,” referring to the place where Jesus and his disciples shared the Last Supper.
While the tradition has evolved over time, its purpose has remained constant: to make Christ’s sacrifice tangible for people of all ages, allowing them to encounter the story in an unforgettable and moving manner.
A Powerful Expression of Faith and Community
For many Filipinos, Senákulo is much more than a community play. It’s a deeply personal expression of faith.
Families, parishes, and entire barangays (neighborhoods) spend weeks rehearsing and preparing for the event.
For some, it’s a spiritual offering or penance.
As Brother Elmer Reyes, a director and scriptwriter of the Holy Week plays in Bulacan, explains, “It’s a way of catechizing the people.
It’s how many come to know the Gospel — not just in their heads but in their hearts.”
The event fosters a sense of unity and belonging. Rehearsals bring communities together, healing old wounds and allowing people to bond over sewing costumes, creating props, and praying together before the show.
It’s a time for reconciliation and spiritual growth, especially for the youth, many of whom find a sense of purpose and belonging in the Senákulo, often keeping them away from negative influences like drugs and gangs.
Personal Stories of Faith and Transformation
For many volunteers, the roles they play in the Senákulo become part of their own faith journey.
Jessa, 29, from Pampanga, has played Mary Magdalene for 12 years.
“Each year, it humbles me. It makes me cry,” she shares. “In her, I see my own conversion story.”
Others, like James Harold Gaffud, who portrayed Jesus in Echague, Isabela, describe the emotional impact of reenacting Christ’s suffering.
“It brings me sorrow and anguish, but it’s an opportunity to express our love and sacrifice,” he says.
For Mark Akino, who also plays Jesus in Makati City, the role serves as a form of penance.
“There’s a joy and blessing I feel after every performance. I feel every lash and the weight of the cross,” he shares.
“This is one way to make up for my sins and thank God for the gift of life.”
A Tradition Taken to the Extreme: The Passion of Christ in San Fernando
In San Fernando, Pampanga, often referred to as the “Lenten Capital of the Philippines,” the Senákulo takes a more extreme turn.
Devotees sometimes allow themselves to be nailed to wooden crosses in front of thousands of spectators.
Ruben Enaje, a 64-year-old construction worker, has been crucified 35 times since his first act of penance in 1986.
Enaje began this tradition after surviving a near-fatal fall from a building, believing that God spared his life for a reason.
“I told myself, if I survive, I will let myself be crucified for God,” he said.
The Deep Impact of the Senákulo on the Audience
For the audience, witnessing the Senákulo is a deeply emotional and spiritual experience.
Many of them walk barefoot or hold candles as they stand along the streets, feeling a personal connection to Christ’s suffering.
It’s an act of devotion that extends beyond just watching; it’s a moment of reflection and gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice.
Though some of the more extreme acts of penance, like whipping oneself or wearing crowns of thorns, are not officially endorsed by the Catholic Church, they are seen by participants as a deeply personal way to seek forgiveness or give thanks for miracles.
The Church acknowledges the sincerity behind these expressions of faith, while reminding the faithful to engage in other forms of devotion, such as the Stations of the Cross and confession.
Senákulo as an Evangelization Tool
The Senákulo continues to serve as an effective tool for evangelizing people, especially when it’s Christ-centered and fosters a deeper personal conversion.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines encourages the faithful to view the Senákulo as a complement to the liturgy rather than a replacement.
While many will attend the street performances, priests emphasize the importance of participating in the Paschal Triduum — Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil — to fully honor Christ’s sacrifice.
Bringing the Gospel to Life in the Streets
Unlike the traditional reading or hearing of the Gospel in church, the Senákulo brings the story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection to life in the streets, allowing people to experience it in a visceral and impactful way.
Paula, a 26-year-old viewer, describes the Senákulo as “the Gospel — and it’s alive, right here on our streets.”
Through this deeply rooted Filipino tradition, the Senákulo remains a powerful expression of faith, unity, and culture, bringing communities together while allowing them to connect with Christ’s story in a way that transcends the walls of the church.