IN PHOTOS: Lent in the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines - Holy Week is considered a big event in the Philippines since a large chunk of the population is Catholic. Holy Week is commonly known in the Philippines as the Mahal na Araw or Semana Santa.

Annual Lenten traditions observed these days include visiting churches and carrying a wooden cross. In some parts of the country,  inflicting wounds on one’s back by whipping or even taking penance to the extreme through crucifixion just like what Jesus Christ experienced on Mount Calvary are also practiced.

Although discouraged by the church, the more extreme forms of penance during Holy Week still continue for most Filipino Catholics believe that through these, their sins will be cleansed.

For this year, here are some photos from AP showing how Lent was commemorated in Quezon and Manila.