Mexico: An old friend across the Pacific (Part Two)

How our cultures are not so different from one another

- DR. JAIME C. LAYA

Filipino and Mexican religious practices and celebrations have many similarities and variations, clearly due to their common Iberian origin or to practices in the other country, modified by differences in culture and pre-Hispanic beliefs and practices.

Holy Week

Holy Week celebrations in Spain are spectacular. Of course, nothing comes close to Seville with its 24/7 processions, but Mexicans and Christian Filipino Holy Week rituals are similar, with processions, dramatizations, temporary chapels, and even flagellants.

Traditionally, Philippine towns hold a Holy Wednesday procession where images recount the public life of Christ and a Good Friday Procession with images depicting the agony and death of the Lord. Nowadays, however, the two processions tend to be combined into a grand Good Friday procession. The most elaborate ones I've seen are in Baliwag, Bulacan; San Pablo, Laguna; and Makati Población, unnoticed by the residents of Forbes, Dasma, and even the adjoining Bel Air enclaves. Old Makati's Holy Week is traditional, with highlights including temporary neighborhood chapels, a procession of crucifixes, and a super long procession on Good Friday with survivals from olden times. Images on andas are borne on devotees' shoulders rather than on wheeled carrozas; there are long lines of barefoot women in long black robes with leafy crowns; mourners following the funeral carriage of the dead Christ consist of town officials and prominent citizens.

Communities also hold readings of the Pasyon, a traditional account that combines the Old and New Testaments. A truly elaborate event is held in a decorated hall with a band accompaniment and before an image of Santo Entierro (the dead Christ). Readings continue day and night until completion.

The month of May