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AMAZING APRIL

Marinduque Travel Blog › entry 8 of 21 › view all entries

A summary of Philippine Festivals! The many reasons why my country is called "The Pearl of the Orient". (My special thanks to some friends at creativecommons.org)

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AMAZING APRIL

April 1, 2008

MORIONES FESTIVAL (April 2008)

Moriones takes place in the province of Marinduque during Holy Week where town people dress up as Romans and some characters from the Bible. The festival re-enacts the story of Longinus, highlighting his beheading. The cast usually wear colorful costumes similar to those worn by Roman Legionaries. Their faces are covered with masks made from paper and painted in light colors.

Moriones refers to the masked penitents who parade around the town, searching for Longinus. Legend has it that Longinus pierced the side of the crucified Christ. The blood that spurted forth touched his blind eye and fully restored his sight. This miracle converted Longinus to Christianity and earned the ire of his fellow centurions. The re-enactment reaches its climax when Longinus is caught and beheaded.