Moriones Festival of Marinduque

March 18th, 2008 travelphotographer Posted in Festival News, Fiesta Report! |

What is the Moriones Festival all about?

Moriones Festival is celebrated during the Lenten Season and is considered one of the most colorful festivals in the island of Marinduque.

Morion means mask or visor, a part of the medieval Roman warrior helmet which covers the face. Moriones are the masked penitents who take part in the religious festivities.

The festival revolves around the legendary story of Longinus, a Roman soldier who was blind in one eye. He pierced the side of the crucified Christ, and after restoring his sight from the blood that spurted from Jesus’ side, the miracle converted Longinus to Christianity, which also earned the ire of his fellow centurions.

This weeklong celebration which starts on Holy Monday and ends on Easter Sunday recounts the story of Longinus in pantomime.

Locals from the different towns of Marinduque, enliven Roman costumes, colorful masks, helmets and brightly colored tunics to depict Roman warriors and other figures from the Bilble. A massive stage is comprised of the different towns of the island. Townspeople march around town for seven days in search of Longinus. The highlight of the event is when Longinus is captured and beheaded.

To commemorate the passion and death of our Lord Jesus Christ, the traditional pabasa, or the recitation of Christ’s passion in verse. and the Via Crucis, or the re-enactment of Christ’s suffering to Calvary is also observed. Men inflict pain by whipping their back, carrying a cross or getting crucified to symbolize the pain and suffering of Christ and atonement for their sins.
The Moriones Festival is a living reminder of how Christ suffered for our sins for our salvation. It is a humbling spiritual experience one should try.
More Photos of the Moriones Festival here