HomeFeaturesBeyond tradition: Sacred commitment of Palo Penitentes during Holy Week

Beyond tradition: Sacred commitment of Palo Penitentes during Holy Week

Palo town in the central Philippine province of Leyte is distinguished by its vibrant Holy Week celebrations, which notably feature the Penitentes – men dressed in cone-shaped hoods that conceal their faces. 

These devoted participants play an active role in church preparations, from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday.

Over the years, Palo has drawn individuals from across the province, the region, the country, and even from abroad to partake in the week-long festivities of ‘Semana Santa’ or to witness the rich religious traditions that the people of Palo have cherished for generations.



Delfin Cobacha, 70, returns home from Manila every year to perform the Holy Week ritual and fulfill his devotion. “Since I joined the Penitentes during high school at 17, I’ve been committed,” he said.

The Palo Penitentes, an all-male confraternity, seek forgiveness, atonement, and penance for their sins through sacrifices and self-mortification. They dedicate themselves to genuine service to the church, particularly during Lent.

Fidelino Josol, a member of the Penitentes, explains that the term ‘Penitentes’ is derived from the Latin ‘paenitentia’ and the Spanish ‘los penitentes,’ both signifying sinners who express regret or remorse for their wrongdoings.

The ‘tais’ and ‘dupol’ carry distinct meanings within the group. Married members don navy blue ‘abitos’ with pointed hoods, signifying their status. 

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In contrast, bachelor or unmarried members wear violet or deep purple abitos with black, blunted hoods, known as dupol. Meanwhile, officers or senior members distinguish themselves by wearing all-white abitos with pointed hoods.

Historically, the Penitentes wore ‘Abito hin Pagkakablas’ or simply abito (Mendicant’s Habit), consisting of robes, hoods, rosaries, Cross insignias, and white woolen cords. These items were introduced by Fr. De la Fuente from Spain.

Presently, the confraternity includes over five hundred male residents of Palo among its members. Since 2004, it has been officially recognized by the Securities and Exchange Commission as a non-profit socio-religious organization. 

The Penitentes continue to be a pivotal part of Palo’s religious heritage, culture, and traditions, with a legacy that promises to endure for many generations.

The Palo Penitentes are seen every Holy Week wearing colorful robes and hoods and participating in church activities at Palo Metropolitan Cathedral. Photo by Alren Beronio
The confraternity of the Penitentes was introduced and organized in 1894 by Fr. Pantaleon de la Fuente, a Franciscan Friar and native of Spain, who served as Parish Priest of Palo from 1887 to 1898. Photo by Alren Beronio
Members of Palo Penitentes prepare their “Abito” or Mendicant’s Habit before the Good Friday activity at Palo Metropolitan Cathedral. Photo by Alren Beronio
Delvin Cobacha has been a member of Palo Penitentes since he was 17 years old. He is one of the senior members of Palo Penitentes who perform penitents during Holy Week. Photo by Alren Beronio
Cobacha wears his “Abito” in preparation for the Good Friday activity. Photo by Alren Beronio
As one of the senior members of Palo Penitentes, Cobacha sets an example for other members to follow. Photo by Alren Beronio
Some members of Penitentes roam around Palo Leyte with a can, collecting money. The funds collected go towards Holy Week expenses, and a portion is sent to the Vatican. Photo by Alren Beronio
Some Penitentes members serve as marshals. Photo by Alren Beronio
Married members don navy blue “Abitos” with pointed hoods. “Dupol” is for bachelor or unmarried members who wear violet or deep purple “Abitos” with black blunted hoods. Meanwhile, officers/senior members don all-white “Abitos” with pointed hoods. Photo by Alren Beronio
They assist with cathedral activities from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. Photo by Alren Beronio
Some Penitentes members also serve as marshals. Photo by Alren Beronio
The Palo Penitentes kneel in prayer during the Good Friday ceremony inside the Palo Cathedral. Photo by Alren Beronio
They assist during the procession of the “pasos” and the Santo Entierro. Photo by Alren Beronio
The Palo Penitentes are a male-dominated confraternity that assists with church activities. As of today, they have more than 500 members. Photo by Alren Beronio

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