Performers of the “Senakulo” or the stage and street performance of the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ are continuing the years of tradition in Cainta that make the Holy Week in this town a unique one in the country.

The office of Cainta Mayor Elen Nieto told Manila Bulletin that this year, at least 18 groups of Senakulo performers are presenting their own version of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ during the stretch of the Holy Week, starting on Palm Sunday until Easter Sunday.

Crowd-catchers and must-see event for residents and tourists during Good Friday in Cainta is the “Parada ng Panata” or the Grand Parade of Senakulo groups wherein most performers, especially those with major roles, will show a glimpse of their characters complete with costumes and props at 6 a.m. on Good Friday, April 7, on A. Bonifacio Street in the Cainta Poblacion area.

Roman soldiers riding on horse-drawn chariots are among the performers seeing action during the parade, giving the audience a first hand and closest view of the Senakulo artists.

During the parade, each of the Senakulo group will perform a portion of the story about Jesus Christ from the time that He entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey to the Christ being flagged and pulled by a soldier, to carrying a cross and even the scene of the dead Jesus lying on the lap of the grieving Mary.

All of the actors and actresses are in full costumes complete with appropriate accessories and props as they walk on the streets.

Following the morning parade, some of the groups will present the scheduled scenes in their respective stage areas.

Former Cainta Mayor and now the town’s municipal administrator, Johnielle Keith Nieto will also march on the street as a Senakulo participant.

Among the venues of the Lenten presentation are the Liwasang Bayan, One Arena, Tanghalang Cainta, among others.

Food stalls located on the road beside One Arena have been selling food and beverages during the Holy Week as part of the tradition called “Pondahan” or a place where locals hang out.

One Senakulo group was established some 50 years ago while others surfaced a few years back.

Road and street in Cainta will be closed for the 6  a.m. parade and the late afternoon
procession.