Moriones Festival

The annual Moriones Festival is a week-long religious event that begins on Holy Monday and ends on Easter Sunday. It is one of the most colorful events in the Philippines and sees participants re-enact the story of Longinus, a Roman centurion who, it is said, speared the crucified body of Jesus Christ. Legend has it that the blood which flowed from Christ’s body landed in Longinus’ bad eye, curing him of blindness. This miracle caused him to convert to Christianity and he was consequently hunted by his fellow centurions. This part of the story is dramatically retold by costumed participants, the Romans wearing huge painted masks depicting fearsome faces. The performances take place in various locations throughout the island of Marinduque.