Catholic penitents, wearing masks and bearing the signs of sacrifice, walk barefoot through the streets of Kalayaan town in Laguna province on Good Friday, April 18, 2025, as part of a traditional Holy Week practice known as penitensya (penance).
In a public act of repentance and devotion, they beat their backs with wooden whips or bamboo flails, emulating the suffering of Christ.
The ritual, though painful, is seen by participants as a profound spiritual offering—an expression of faith, a plea for forgiveness, or a form of gratitude for blessings received.
After the procession, the penitents head to a nearby waterfall to cleanse their wounds in natural spring water—believed by many locals to possess healing properties.
This ritual washing not only aids in physical recovery but also symbolizes spiritual renewal during the solemn days leading to Easter.
Similar penitential practices are observed in various parts of the Philippines, especially in Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog, despite repeated calls by Church leaders discouraging self-harm.
All photos by Jire Carreon
