Maleldo 2011: A Good Friday Crucifixion

April 23, 2011 at 7:53 PM · Filed under News and tagged: crucifixion, Cutud, Good Friday, Holy Week, Lenten, Maleldo, Pampanga, Passion, San Fernando

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On Good Friday each year, in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, particularly in Brgy. San Pedro, Cutud, thousands of people flock to witness the world-renowned crucifixion that is re-enacted on a man-made hill.

Originated in 1955, the staging of “Via Crucis” (Way of the Cross), is the only Kapampangan piece on the Passion of Christ written by an amateur, Ricardo Navarro.

It was first performed during the Holy Week 57 years ago by volunteer artists of Brgy. San Pedro Cutud who, like the rest of the Filipinos during that period, had time on their hands because work or exertion on those days was taboo.

It was only in 1962 that the barangay first witnessed an actual crucifixion during the play. The Christ was portrayed by Artemio Anoza, a resident of nearby Apalit town and a quack doctor who dreamt that he would become a full-fledge religious leader. Wanting to realize this dream, he volunteered himself to be crucified as a sacrifice.

Since then, not a year passed without an actual crucifixion taking place during the re-enactment that has now been joined by many as a “panata” or vow of sacrifice.
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