Dane steals limelight in Pampanga crucifixion

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Philippines – A 48-year-old filmmaker from Denmark became the center of attraction in Barangay San Pedro Cutud here when he showed up with nine other locals to be crucified on Good Friday.

Lasse Spang Olsen came here a few years ago to do a film on the Lenten practices.

On Good Friday, Olsen decided to try it out, to find out how it actually feels to be crucified.

City tourism officer Ching Pangilinan said Olsen was allowed by barangay organizers to participate in the ritual after he presented a waiver of liability from the Danish embassy.

Pangilinan said organizers banned foreigners from participating in the traditional crucifixion, citing possible adverse publicity.

In 2006, a British national attracted attention by announcing he would join the crucifixions, but backed out in the last minute. In 1996, a Japanese had himself nailed on the cross as part of a pornographic film. An Australian, on the other hand, had himself crucified for a comedy film.

Olsen, with a white cloth tied at his waist, a simulated crown of thorns on his head and a tiny camera hanging from his neck, elicited surprised comments from the locals.

“Ang pogi. Parang sya si Jesus (He’s handsome. He looks like Jesus),” said a teenage girl watching the crucifixions under a huge umbrella.

Unlike some of the other local “Kristos” or penitents who cried out when they were nailed to wooden crosses, Olsen only grimaced and closed his eyes. He also remained silent as his cross was raised by costumed centurions. His cross stood erect for a few minutes before he was brought down.

“Great experience,” Olsen remarked.

While Olsen attracted the most attention, the crowd also witnessed the 28th crucifixion of Ruben Enaje.

The 53-year-old commercial sign painter has been participating in the crucifixions as his way of thanking God for sparing his life from an accident.

Pangilinan said the city government had allocated at least P500,000 to fund the preparations and ensure peace and order. Although the Catholic Church discourages such acts, many penitents carry wooden crosses, crawl on rough pavement and slash their backs before whipping themselves to draw blood. This is done to ask for forgiveness of sins, to fulfill vows or to express gratitude for favors granted.

The Good Friday crucifixions attract tens of thousands of tourists every year.

“We are not making any declaration in regard to whether the rituals and practices should be condoned, but what is clear is that we should maintain peace and order,” Pangilinan said.

An estimated 40,000 visitors arrived here to witness the crucifixions last Friday.

Locals consider the event like a fiesta, serving meat dishes and even alcoholic beverages to visitors, either at some cost for strangers or free to relatives and friends.

The international media also gave attention to the annual crucifixion in Paombong, Bulacan.  â€“ Dino Balabo, Michelle Zoleta, Ric Sapnu