Of flagellants and photographers

It's that time of year again, when the slightly pungent smell of blood spatter fills the air.

This Friday will be my second time to document the traditional observance of Holy Week in Pampanga. I wonder who will be greater in number during the procession and Senakulo: the flagellants and devotees or the photographers and tourists with their cameras.

I wonder, too, about what such traditions say about our society -- our enduring belief systems, motivations, contradictions, and extremes.

Jo
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*In Barangay Lourdes, Angeles City during the religious holiday of Good Friday, 2011.