CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — For decades, the observance of Maleldo (Holy Week) in this city has drawn thousands of devotees and spectators, but behind the spectacle of crucifixions and penitential rites are deeply personal stories of faith, sacrifice, and thanksgiving.
At the Maleldo 2026 press conference held at Heroes Hall, three icons—Ruben Enaje, Wilfredo Salvador, and Fernando Mamangun—offered a glimpse into the spiritual journeys that led them to take part in one of the country’s most well-known Holy Week traditions.
Devotee Ruben Enaje reenacts the crucifixion of Christ during the Holy Week observance in San Pedro Cutud, City of San Fernando. This powerful tradition draws thousands of spectators, reflecting deep faith and cultural heritage as devotees honor the Passion of Christ through vivid and dramatic performances. (San Fernando CIO FIle Photo)
Mamangun, who portrays Christ in Barangay Sta. Lucia, shared that his devotion began as a continuation of his father’s panata.
“Dati po hindi ako nagpapapako. ‘Yung magulang ko ang nagpepenetensya, pero noong ma-paralyze siya, ako ang nagtuloy,” he said.
Years later, when his own child fell seriously ill, his faith was tested.
“Nagpanata ako, at nailigtas ang anak ko,” he added, describing how the experience deepened his devotion.
For Salvador of Barangay San Juan, now in his 18th year of participation, his panata was born out of illness.
“Tatlong taon akong may sakit. Noong gumaling ako, nagpanata ako,” he said, adding that his renewed strength strengthened his belief in faith and healing.
Enaje, the most recognized among the icons from Barangay San Pedro Cutud, has devoted nearly four decades to the ritual. Now 65, he shared that his panata has evolved.
“Sa kasalukuyan, wala na akong hinihingi. Ibinigay na ng Diyos ang lahat. Panalangin na
lang,” he said, reflecting a quieter but enduring faith.
Their stories echo the deeper meaning of pamagdarame, a Kapampangan tradition rooted not merely in seeking forgiveness but in sharing in the passion of Christ.
According to City Tourism Officer Ching Pangilinan, San Fernando’s observance has evolved into a unique form of intangible cultural heritage. She traced its roots to 1955, when playwright Ricardo Navarro of San Pedro Cutud wrote the script for the Via Crucis, which is still being used today.
Over the years, different barangays developed their own expressions of devotion—from staged passion plays to the intense tira bakal (striking metal), a ritual that began in 1961.
“From the word itself, tira bakal is a much more brutal depiction of the Passion of Christ in which the ‘Kristos’ are beaten on the street as they perform the street play by those who act as Jews.
While practiced across the region, Pangilinan emphasized that San Fernando’s interpretation stands apart.
“These traditions, while rooted in pamagdarame, have been shaped by our communities into something uniquely Fernandino. This something that, as Fernandinos, we can be truly proud of…such unique traditions like ours can only be found in these barangays in the city of San Fernando,” she said.
The city tourism officer also clarified that Maleldo is not solely a city-organized event but a collection of barangay-led observances.
“Each barangay has its own way of commemorating the passion and death of Christ,” she noted, citing how Barangay San Pedro Cutud gained global attention since the 1980s for its crucifixion rites.
Recognizing both its cultural significance and growing audience, the city government continues to provide support. Since 2004, assistance has been extended to participating barangays to ensure that practices are carried out safely and meaningfully.
Mayor Vilma B. Caluag reaffirmed this commitment, emphasizing collaboration between the local government and private sector.
She also expressed gratitude to the devotees who take on the role of ‘Kristo’.
“Hindi namin hahayaang malagay kayo sa peligro,” she said, assuring that medical and security teams will be deployed throughout the observance.
Preparations are in full swing, with an incident management team composed of around 500 personnel from various agencies, including police, fire, and disaster response units.
Traffic rerouting, clearing operations, and designated parking areas—including access through the megadike—have been arranged to accommodate an estimated 7,000 to 12,000 attendees.
This year’s Maleldo activities unfold across several barangays. Tira bakal will take place in Calulut, Juliana, Sta. Teresita, and San Jose on Good Friday morning, while crucifixion reenactments are scheduled in San Juan, Sta. Lucia, Del Pilar, and San Pedro Cutud, culminating in the highly anticipated afternoon rites.
As the city prepares for the influx of pilgrims and tourists, organizers continue to remind the public to observe discipline and respect, emphasizing that Maleldo remains, at its core, an expression of faith.
Beyond the crowds and the rituals, it is the quiet resolve of the icons, their stories of healing, gratitude, and surrender, that define the spirit of Maleldo. In their sacrifice, the faithful are reminded not only of suffering, but of hope, renewal, and the enduring strength of belief. (CLJD/MJSC, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)
