Enaje, 64 years old, told reporters that he expects this to be his last year nailed to a cross, as he “really can’t do it anymore.” He was one of ten men crucified this year, the highest number in recent memory.
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Good Friday is the Christian holiday that observes the day Jesus Christ was crucified and killed. It is part of Holy Week, the holiest set of observances on the Christian calendar, and begins the countdown to Easter, the holiday celebrating Christ’s resurrection.
Joining those crucified this year were reportedly over 100 people performing a separate ritual known as penitensya, or penance, in which Christians walk alongside those carrying their crosses, self-flagellating and receiving lashings and other blows from fellow participants.
The practice leaves the faithful participating in penitensya, mostly men, with backs nearly entirely covered in blood and is meant as a form of absolution of sin and an attempt to become closer to Jesus Christ.
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The Philippines is one of the world’s most Catholic countries, boasting a nearly 80 percent Catholic population. In addition to Catholics, another 6.5 percent of Filipinos identify as another denomination of Christian, meaning over 85 percent of the country observers Holy Week and the subsequent Easter holiday.
According to the Filipino Inquirer, the tradition in San Pedro Cutud, Pampanga, began in 1962, initially with participants tied up to the cross. Enaje, considered the keeper of the tradition, reportedly did not recall when the rope was replaced by real nails. The man, who formally plays Jesus in the Passion play reenacted on Good Friday, began submitting to annual crucifixions in 1986 after falling off of a building while working as a carpenter.
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“While I was falling I uttered the words ‘Dios ko!’ (‘My God!’), and the next thing I knew I was on the ground, but fully conscious!” Enaje said in a 2020 interview. “It was a miracle I survived the fall without a bone broken. In fact, when I was on the ground, I did not stand up immediately thinking I broke my legs and body, but after a few moments I found out I was okay. I owe my life to Jesus that’s why every Good Friday I have to undergo the crucifixion ritual.”
Enaje told the Agence France-Presse (AFP) that he expects this year to be his last on the cross.
“I really can’t do it anymore. They had to aim portable fans at me earlier just for me to breathe normally,” he explained. The outlet noted that during part of the procession, Enaje “tumbled down an embankment” after being shoved by a participant portraying a Roman soldier. Enaje has hinted at retirement in past year, however, only to return.
“I will try to still take part in the ritual next year, but if not, I know someone will take my place and continue the tradition,” DPA International quoted Enaje as stating.
File/Original caption/Ruben Enaje holds up the nails that will be used to nail him to the cross in San Pedro Cutud, the Philippines, 18 March 2016. He is allowing himself to be nailed to the cross for the 31st time this Easter. (Girlie Linao/picture alliance via Getty Images)
This year, Enaje named a successor to portray Jesus during the Passion play in 2026: Arnold Maniago, who was crucified for the 24th time this year.
The carpenter and his successor are far from the only participant who has been crucified for many years in succession. Another veteran participating on Sunday was Wilfredo Salvador, who endured his 17th crucifixion, and Fernando Mamangun, who was crucified for the 29th time. Mamangun’s son, Rolando, was crucified for the second time this year. Arnold Pangilinan was the only participant the Inquirer identified as being crucified for the first time.
Many of those participating do so to ask God for health, safety for their family, or other personal intentions. In 2024, Enaje said that he no longer prayed for anything for himself “because the Lord has given me everything I’ve asked for, plenty of jobs for my family.”
This year, temperatures in San Pedro Cutud reached 39ºC, or about 102ºF – a significant health risk for the middle-aged and older men who typically partake in the crucifixions. The reenactment reportedly lasted over two hours. The Philippine Star documented the hospitalization of at least one participant, taken away on an ambulance.
Pampanga crucified ten people in 2024, including many repeat participants. The tradition has increased in popularity since its cancelation under President Rodrigo Duterte, allegedly as an attempt to limit the spread of the Wuhan coronavirus in 2020 and 2021. Duterte, currently on trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity, openly discriminated against Catholics, encouraged Filipinos to kill bishops, and claimed to have been molested by a priest as a child.
In stark contrast, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., who succeeded Duterte, offered a brief but solemn message marking Good Friday.
“On Good Friday, we remember the sacrifice that defined faith, compassion, and forgiveness. May this day serve as strength and guidance for every Filipino family,” he said in a statement.
While Pampanga’s crucifixion tradition is unique in the country, services to observe Good Friday took place across the Philippines. In San Miguel, Bulacan, locals participated in penitence rituals and similarly reenacted the Passion.
“The reenactment featured locals playing Roman soldiers and mockers, following Jesus’ path to Calvary symbolized by the San Isidro Labrador Parish Church,” the Philippine outlet ABS-CBN explained. “As they marched, a man with a megaphone delivered a script laced with mockery, enhancing the realism of the performance.”
“People need to see this, so they may be awakened to do good,” one participant explained.
In Manila, believers congregated at the Quiapo Church for a tradition honoring Jesus and Mary, the “Sorrowful Mother,” with elaborate art marking the Passion.
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