CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — No foreigner will be allowed to join the reenactment of the crucifixion rites in Pampanga on Good Friday, a local official said.
Councilor Jimmy Lazatin, co-chair of the Maleldo (Holy Week) committee that is in charge of the Lenten activities here, said participants to the yearly crucifixion drama will be limited to the local faithful to keep its solemnity.
"Last year, there was one foreign tourist who joined the rites only to make fun of it. That should not be repeated. I find it insulting to the Kapampangan culture," said Lazatin, who chaired last year's activities.
Real-life crucifixion in Barangay San Pedro Cutud here was started in 1962 by Artemio Anoza, a faith healer. The rites have been drawing thousands of devotees and tourists who witness the crucifixion of penitents on a hill in Purok Kuatro.
Lazatin, however, said if some foreigners would insist on joining the rites, they would have to show sincerity and determination to experience this Lenten practice.
He said the Maleldo committee, which is chaired by Mariano Castro, would have to approve participants to the rites.
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