The city government of Antipolo has announced the cancellation of all Lenten activities that would generate mass gatherings in the city this year as part of the measures against Covid-19.
In a post on the official Facebook page of Mayor Andrea Bautista-Ynares, the city government said it has cancelled the Lenten-related activities that attract large gatherings of people including the traditional Penitential Walk or the “Alay Lakad’ and the Maytime Festival.
Alay Lakad happens every Holy Thursday towards Good Friday with millions of pilgrims trekking from Quiapo Church to the Antipolo Cathedral, while the Maytime Festival is the time when large crowds would troop to Antipolo church from May to July to watch and participate in floats parade, street dancing, bands marching, and other fun activities on the streets.
The Antipolo local government has also announced the cancellation of activities for the Antipolo cityhood anniversary on April 4, which is also expected to attract crowds.
During the cityhood celebration, street dancing and parades happen in the city proper, filling the roads with performers and spectators.
The city government said the shelving of the mass gatherings, religious and cultural activities during the summer season is a way of preventing super spreader events.
The local government instead advised the public to attend the online church services and other events that happen traditionally during the summer season.
It also calls for everyone’s cooperation and understanding and even encourages the unvaccinated to get the jab against Covid-19.