WARNING

The following scenes are graphic in nature and is a part of the culture in our country. I have shot all the photos in black and white to lessen the intensity of the following scenes. The scenes includes severe self punishment which some may find offensive. I strongly advise the viewers not to proceed if you believe that the subject maybe distressful for you. Otherwise if it is something you could handle, then come and join me today as I take you to witness...............

Penitensya (Penance)

It took me days of planning and self preparation in order to cover this event which happens during Good Friday every year. I first witnessed this event when I still worked on a night shift years ago. I was riding the bus on my way home which was slowly moving due to the traffic caused by the procession. When I looked outside the window I saw the bloodiest scene due to self punishment. I closed down the window and in my mind I said it was something I did not want to see again. I have very low tolerance in the sight of blood which causes me nausea and dizziness. This year I already planned ahead to prepare myself for the scenes which I was about to see again.

It was around 4:30 am and people were already out on the streets waiting for the group of people who would perform the act. People from all ages were waiting patiently to witness the event.

Then came a batch of people wearing white shirts and had their faces covered. The sound of pieces of wood clanking together which I find to sound dreadful and frightening.

Tied to a rope the pieces of wood are swung by them at their backs while walking in a straight line.

I saw the first group with backs already bloodied and I did not know how to react. I kept telling myself that it's just fake blood and to just keep on shooting. My wife was with me and I had her wait at the nearest convenience store. In case it gets too intense for me I'll just be running back to her and head home.

This practice is done as a sign of repentance and to gain forgiveness for their sins. Self punishment by inflicting pain upon one's self is their way to change and ask for forgiveness.

On the street to the right they turn which heads towards the ocean. I was told that all of them will bathe in the ocean to wash away the blood and all their sins with it. The local official made sure that traffic was routed accordingly. The vehicles would need to wait until the group passed.

Just when I thought I have seen the worse. I heard the sound of the pieces of wood clanking together which is an indication that another group was about to pass. This time the sound was louder and which is much more frightening. The street was filled with people and a very large group was headed my way. I did not know if I would walk towards the group or back away. I had to make a choice and decided to brave it out and head towards their direction.

More people were out on the street with their mobile phones up high taking a video of the act.

A scene which I dreaded years ago was right it front of me now. I had mixed emotions which I could not explain. More than 60 people all inflicting self punishment at the same time.

I was told that prior this act their backs are slashed by razor blades to induce the flow of blood. Knowing this fact made me feel nauseous just thinking about how those blades slice their backs.

I followed the group from behind and while taking the shots. I felt something drip on my arm and at that point I already knew that it was blood. It was coming from the pieces of wood that is being swung around. I had to head back to my wife to get a drink of water and to wash away the blood on my arm.

I had to go back to finish what I started. I headed again towards the back of the group and noticed that some of the people were also being sprayed with droplets of blood. On their feet, clothes and some on their faces. I had to keep my distance from that point.

I was witnessing the bloodiest penance in our province. A part of our culture which may sound unbelievable until you see it with your own eyes. This is done every year and it is the first time for me witness it. I find it very intense and something I am not sure if I would be covering again next year.

From the bloodied group I saw something else. A man with his face covered in black, walking barefoot, wearing a costume like garment and carrying a cross. This is his way of penance. It seems that there are other ways in showing their repentance.

After the large group has passed. A smaller group followed you would notice that there are people who are carrying large water containers. These containers are filled with salt water which are poured to their back. Just not sure if it eases the pain when it is too much to handle. When ever it is poured to their back you could see the blood washing down on the street. I felt I have seen enough blood for the day and headed back to my wife as it was time to go home.

Something which maybe hard to comprehend for some. This is a belief which is a part of our culture. We all have our own ways of repentance and asking for forgiveness. These acts are their own choosing and beliefs. It is still up to us how we carry our burden.

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All photos are original and taken with

Lumix GX85 and Sigma 50mm 1.4