After being shelved for two years, the Lenten parade, a street event every Good Friday showcasing various actors and actresses performing in a “Senakulo” or the theatrical performance of the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, will again be happening in Cainta, Rizal this year.
The office of Mayor Johnielle Keith Nieto bared on Facebook that the Lenten Parade 2022 will be seen once again on the main streets of Cainta on Good Friday, April 15, starting at 7 a.m.
Prior to the pandemic, it has been an annual tradition in Cainta every Holy Week that a parade of Senakulo performers, representing various groups and wearing colorful costumes, make-ups and props, would be held on the main street of the town to officially announce the holding of the Senakulo in their respective communities.
For residents and tourists, the Lenten parade is a must see attraction in Cainta as the activity is a sneak preview of the stage plays that each group of “Senakulistas” (Senakulo performers) are presenting.
Traffic rerouting would be implemented as the entire stretch of Bonifacio Street from the Cainta Junction area to General Ricarte (Estralla Street) will be filled with residents who would want to get a closure look of the Senakulistas.
During the parade, the stage play actors and actresses, dressed up in costumes appropriate to their character, will also act out their respective roles as they march on the street.
Each group of Senakulo performers will have their own way of depicting the important scenes during the last stages in the life of Jesus Christ from the Palm Sunday scene, complete with Jesus riding on a donkey; a bloodied Jesus, with a cross on his shoulder and being flogged by a Roman soldier; and the “La Pieta” or the scene where the dead and bloodied Jesus lies on the lap of the grieving Mary.
After the parade, the performers will proceed to their respective communities where they will hold either the Senakulo on stage, the Stations of the Cross on the streets, while others would do the “penetencia” (self flagellation).
Other groups will have their crucifixion scene on the street during their Senakulo performances.
The town’s last Lenten Parade was held in 2019.
The group Samahang Nazareno Inc. has an on-going video playback of its previous Senakulo, at the One Cainta Arena.
Also during this time, a street in front of the One Cainta Arena will be occupied by food kiosks offering various street delicacies and refreshments. (Nel Andrade)