One truly unique celebration dubbed as the most spectacular Lenten
presentation in the country is held in Marinduque every year - the
Moriones Festival.
Much-awaited by local and foreign tourists who marvel at the preparation
involved in this colorful celebration, the three major towns - Boac, Mogpog and
Gasan - of this Southern Luzon island serve as venue for the week-long affair.
The Moriones festival is participated in by male penitents who have promised
to be part of this tradition in thanksgiving for an answered petition, long-life,
good harvest or a cured ailment. They parade around town in huge, bright
colored masks, colorful costumes and gadgets.
The Morions, as they are known, play hilarious pranks and participate in the
making of "kalutang" music for one whole week. They speak in high, bird-like
voices.
On Good Friday, they reenact the crucifixion of Christ, known as the
"kalbaryuhan." The Moriones' principal character-Longinus, the one wearing an
unusually large mask which is blind in the left eye, jabs Christ with a spear.
The centurion is surprised when his eye sight is restored when it comes in
confact with the blood of Christ.
Longinus, now a convert, proclaims the divinity of Christ and is ordered
arrested. The chase or "habulan" ensues which takes the centurion
everywhere behind bushes, in fields, river banks, atop trees, under tables and
beds - much to the delight and excitement of the onlookers.
Longinus is caught thrice and escapes thrice until he is finally caught.
On Easter Sunday, a mock trial is staged with Longinus proclaiming his firm
belief in the Almighty. Pilate then issues his verdict finding the centurion guilty
and orders him beheaded.
Longinus was mentioned in the Bible as the Roman centurion who pierced
Christ with a spear and whose blindness was cured by Christ's blood.
To focus on Longinus remorse, the act before his beheading, sees him
confirming his faith and belief in Christ, and his acceptance of the sentence to
die for Him.
Marinduque folk said the identity of the Morions is unknown, even to their
families. This, they said, makes their participation in the festival more
meaningful and sincere. Thus, mask-making is done in utmost secrecy. And
so is the sewing of costume, the footwear and hand gadgets which can be a
sword, a spear or two pieces of wood.
Much like the solemn rites held in other countries in commemoration of lent,
the country's Moriones remains distinctly Filipino and the only one of its kind
in the world for the last two centuries.
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