Marinduque holds most unique Easter fest

While most of Christendom observes Lent in prayer and contemplation,

Marinduque marks the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ with the

colorful Moriones festival, the unique Easter Fest in Asia.

The fest is also held in some other towns in Quezon, Mindoro, Romblon and

Palawan, although it had its root in Marinduque. The first Moriones celebration

was held in 1807 in Morong, according to Dionisio Santiago, the town's parish

priest, in Mogpog, then a barrio of Boac, capital of Marinduque.

The annual festival which has gained popularity among domestic and foreign

tourists is now being observed in six towns in Marinduque. It is based on the

biblical story of Longinus, a blind centurion who took part in the crucifixion of

Jesus Christ.

Longinus was the one who struck the spear into Christ's torso. Blood then

spurted from the wound onto his eyes, instantly curing his blindness.

He headed the detachment of soldiers guarding Christ's tomb, fearing the

Christ's followers would steal His Body and spread propaganda about His

resurrection. Longinus belief in Jesus had firmed up on Easter after witnessing

the resurrection. And from then on, he went around telling stories about Him.

After a long search, he was captured, still praising Jesus Christ, until finally he

was beheaded. Now, penitents believe that playing the role of Longinus in the

Moriones festival can cure them of any malady within three to five years after

the event.

Main attractions

The main attractions are: the players who wear masks depicting the faces of

the Jews and Roman centurions who accompanied Jesus on the way to

Golgotha.

Beginning Monday of the Holy Week, the streets come alive. Men and women

who have vowed to roam the streets in penance, or to show their gratitude

after recuperating from severe illness or misfortune and disguise themselves

with masks carved from light wood called dapdap.

Most of the bright-colored masks made by men who have no training at all in

either painting or sculpturing, are neither good nor kind-looking. Completing

the costumes are capers, raincoats and nylon stockings.

The colorful entourage then parades the street carrying pairs of disc-like

pieces of wood called "kalutang." This they beat in synchopated rhythms.

Some carry carved wooden snakes, others have swords or lanes.

As they go around, they play pranks on the townspeople, serenade the ladies,

and frighten the children. The spectators, however, never know the identities of

the Morion guards. Their disguise is such that even their relatives cannot

identify them. When addressed, they even alter their voice to make bird-like

sounds.

Highlight

The highlight of the ceremony takes place on Easter Sunday when Roman

soldiers try to attack Longinus.

The wild chase begins, taking the costumed men in the dash of the color

through rivers, houses, bamboo trees, wine and store and fields until finally,

the exhausted Longinus is caught. Then the soldiers carry him aloft, make

him kneel before Pontius Pilate and ask the berdugo to behead him.