Impoverished villagers line up to be nailed to crosses in Lenten ritual

At least 11 mostly impoverished villagers have signed up to be nailed to wooden crosses in a bloody re-enactment of Jesus Christ's crucifixion.

The crucifixion draws thousands of tourists to this northern village in Philippines each year.

The Lenten ritual is opposed by religious leaders in the Philippines Southeast Asia's largest predominantly Roman Catholic nation but it has persisted and become one of the country's most-awaited summer attractions in the farming village of San Pedro Cutud in Pampanga province, about 70 km north of Manila.

Village leader Zoilo Castro said 11 men, mostly poor labourers, have registered to be crucified on Good Friday but added that more might agree to take part in the ritual, which he expected would draw about 20,000 foreign and local tourists. He said 14 penitents were crucified last year.

About 500 policemen would guard the event this year because of concerns over possible terrorist attacks in the country, he said.

Despite its bloody nature, the crucifixions "are a call for peace and a return to religious values in a time where many wallow in sin", Castro said.

Curiosity

Most foreigners are drawn by curiosity. "They come here because some don't believe that people really get themselves nailed to crosses here. They want to see to believe," he said.

The Catholic devotees will have their palms and feet pierced to crosses with 10-centimetre nails, which will be soaked in alcohol to prevent infection, as a form of penance for sins, to pray for a sick relative or to fulfil a vow, Castro said.

Some of the devotees have been crucified several times.

One devotee, 44-year-old commercial sign maker Ruben Enaje, will be crucified on Good Friday today for the 19th time, officials said.

"Most of these men are poor. They're either praying for something or maybe want to repent for some misdeeds," Castro said.