Paper short abstract:

An ethnography of the local Lenten rites during the Pandemic in an agricultural community in Bulacan, Central Luzon, Philippines in which the main attraction was the crucifixion on the cross of "Kristos" or those imitating Jesus Christ during Good Friday as an expression of faith and devotion.

Paper long abstract:

This paper will discuss how the agricultural community of Christian (Catholic) devotees have adjusted to the Pandemic times mediating between the time-honored Lenten ritual and the health emergency situation that is the Covid-19 virus. The main attraction of the religious event was the crucifixions on the cross by devotees of Paombong, Bulacan in Central Luzon, Philippines, wanting to imitate Jesus Christ by having themselves crucified too on the cross on a Good Friday. Before the Pandemic, this ritual was a prominent spectacle rivaling other Philippine Lenten religious activities in terms of people attendance, media coverage, and visiting tourists. For two years, during the height of the Covid-19 crisis and lockdowns, this annual rite was cancelled and the traditional site of performance closed off from public ritual activities.

Lenten season last year, 2022, health restrictions were lowered the government and the communal expression of faith and devotion rebounded with zeal and passion.

Based on an ethnography of how the ritual itself was planned, conducted and reflected on by the devotees, the paper will demonstrate how faith and devotion have been resilient during times of crisis. The study will also show that the holding of the main ritual reveals underlying and pressing social and political issues that also needed to be negotiated and reflected upon.