The traditional parade of participants in the "Senakulo" -- the stage play depicting the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ -- will take place in the town on April 3 as part of the long-standing tradition among residents in Cainta, Rizal.
The office of Cainta Mayor Johnielle "Kit" Nieto announced that the parade, dubbed "Parada ng Panata 2026," a long-time Holy Week tradition in the municipality, will result in the closure of A. Bonifacio Avenue starting at 4 a.m. on Good Friday.
It has been customary in Cainta, Rizal, for "Senakulo" actors and actresses, dressed in colorful costumes and carrying corresponding props, to join the grand parade and portray their roles in the Lenten stage play.
Several groups of "Senakulo" performers, each with its own schedule and venue for the Lenten play, are expected to participate in “Parada ng Panata 2026,” which will officially begin at 6 a.m. near the Cainta Junction.
Foreign and local tourists, photographers and video bloggers are expected to watch and document the annual Good Friday activity in Cainta.
Residents said it has also become a tradition and a personal vow for Mayor Nieto to join the Lenten parade.
A must-see activity, the parade showcases local actors and actresses complete with props and make-up, marching through the streets of Cainta. Some ride horse-drawn carriages and chariots as they portray biblical characters, including Jesus Christ, whose role serves as the centerpiece of the gown's Holy Week tradition.
A road closure on ROTC Hunters Road from 5 p.m. everyday until April 5 will also be implemented by the municipal government to give way to the stage play of Samahang Nazareno Inc. at One Arena.
Samahang Nazareno Inc. is performing every night at One Arena Cainta (photo from SNI's Facebook page)
Another group, the Krus Sa Nayon Inc. (KSNI), is performing at the Tanghalang Cainta at the Cainta municipal grounds.
The 'Samahang Krus sa Nayon Incorporated' is staging the 'senakulo' at the Cainta municipal grounds (photo from SKNI's Facebook page)