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Holy Holy Week: Part Two
Black Nazarene
Every Good Friday, a miraculous statue of a dark child Jesus is brought out for a procession around the narrow streets of Quiapo. This century old relic was sculpted in Mexico during the Galleon era has survived many mishaps including the coming out unscathed from a church fire. Droves of people come in hopes of being able to lay hands on the supposedly illness-cleansing bust.
Siete Palabras
Throughout the country, TV and radio stations air the "Siete Palabras" or the Seven Last Words. These are usually sponsored by religious groups. People tune it to hear speakers depicting the life of Jesus Christ and of course in different versions but the same meaning.
Visita Iglesia
Come Holy Thursday, a popular tradition is the "church visit", which involves visiting ideally 14 different churches representing the fourteen stations of the cross. Families take this time to bond and go through religious rituals together. Celebrated on this day is the last Mass before Easter, usually including a reenactment of the Washing of the Feet of the Apostles; this Mass is followed by the procession of the Blessed Sacrament before it is taken to the Altar of Repose.
Amulet Hunting
In Sipalay, Negros Occidental, Good Friday is an opportune day for Herbolarios or faith healers to go out searching for anting-antings. These amulets offer special protection or have extraordinary spiritual abilities and can be found in unexplored caves.