Angono LGU relives 'Senakulo,' other Lenten traditions
By Nel Andrade
At A Glance
- Age old traditions of Filipinos during Lent continue to be alive in Angono, Rizal with various activities lined-up as part of tourism programs of the municipal government
Angono, Rizal Mayor Gerardo Calderon said the municipal government is reliving ‘Senakulo’ in this part of the province this Lenten season.
According to him, the local government has partnered with the Samahang Sacramento, a group of local performing artists, whose craft in acting is shared to the town residents, through the Lenten stage plays.
Calderon said the innate artistry among residents of Angono has been regularly showcased in the various events happening in the town, all year-round, but this time, during Lent, their desire to continue the age-old tradition of Filipinos-the 'Senakulo', which is the depiction of the passion of Jesus Christ, through stage plays, for this generation, is also important.
Tracy Pascual, head of the Angono's Municipal Tourism Office told Manila Bulletin that the group’s initial performance will happen on Holy Tuesday, March 31, at 6 p.m. at the Angono municipal grounds.
Part 2 of the stage play will be on April 4, also at the Angono municipal grounds, at 6 p.m.
On Holy Thursday, April 2, the municipal government is showcasing the group in the Angono Grand Lenten Parade at 7 p.m., dubbed as the Ang “Paghahatol”, with the members of the Samahang Sacramento, in full custome and props, parading on the streets of the town as they portray their respective roles in the Senakulo.
The members said each of them has their own ‘panata’ or vow that binds them into continuing their passion in performing in the group which was established in 1977.
Pascual said activities such as the ‘Senakulo’ is part of the tourism programs of the administration of Mayor Calderon and his daughter, Jeri Mae, both devote Roman Catholics and members of the devotee group of the Black Nazarene of Quiapo.
Another on-going event is the exhibit of the life-size and antique images of saints, numbering more than 60, that are showcased in the Holy Wednesday and Good Friday procession in the town and during ‘pabasa’ or the prayerful chanting of the passion, death and resurrection of Christ. The exhibit is being held at the Angono municipal gymnasium and will end on Sunday, March 29, following a ‘pabasa’.
