The Moriones Festival is an annual
celebration held in Marinduque, a small island province in the Philippines.
This colorful and vibrant festival is known for its unique and colorful
costumes, masks, and headgear worn by the participants. In this article, we
will explore the history, significance, and customs of the Moriones Festival.
History of the Moriones Festival
The Moriones Festival is believed to
have originated from the legend of Longinus, a Roman centurion who was present
at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. According to the legend, Longinus was blind
in one eye and was healed by the blood of Jesus Christ that spurted from the
wound in His side. After this miraculous healing, Longinus became a Christian
and was martyred for his faith.
The story of Longinus is a popular
theme in art and literature, and it is also the inspiration for the Moriones
Festival. The festival is believed to have started in the 1800s, during the
Spanish colonial period, as a way to teach the Catholic faith to the local
people. Over the years, the festival has evolved into a colorful and elaborate
celebration that attracts tourists worldwide.
Customs and Traditions of the
Moriones Festival
The Moriones Festival is celebrated
during Holy Week, the week before Easter Sunday. The
festival begins on Palm Sunday, which marks the start of the Holy Week. The
festival lasts a week, with different events and activities scheduled daily.
The highlight of the Moriones
Festival is the reenactment of the story of Longinus. During this reenactment,
the participants wear colorful costumes, masks, and headgear representing the
Roman soldiers at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The
participants also carry wooden spears and shields, performing dances and
songs as they march through the streets.
Apart from the reenactment, there
are other events and activities during the Moriones Festival. These
include a beauty pageant, a parade, and a street dance competition. Food stalls and souvenir shops also sell local delicacies and crafts.
Significance of the Moriones
Festival
The Moriones Festival is significant
in the Philippines because it represents its rich cultural heritage
and religious traditions. The festival also serves as a reminder of the
sacrifices made by the early Christian martyrs who died for their faith.
The festival is also significant in
terms of tourism. Every year, thousands of tourists visit Marinduque to witness
the Moriones Festival. This influx of tourists boosts the local economy and
provides employment opportunities for the local people.
Conclusion
The Moriones Festival is a unique
and colorful celebration deeply rooted in the Philippines' cultural and
religious traditions. It is a celebration of faith, courage, and sacrifice and serves as a reminder of the country's rich history and heritage. The
festival is a must-see for anyone who wants to experience the Philippines'
vibrant culture and traditions.
References
Ferreras, E. P. (2017). Moriones Festival. In D. Levinson (Ed.),
Encyclopedia of World Culture (Vol. 3, pp. 259-262). Gale.
Gonzales, B. S. (2019). Marinduque's Moriones Festival: A Legend in Living
Colors. National Commission for Culture and the Arts. Retrieved from http://ncca.gov.ph/about-culture-and-arts/articles-on-c-n-a/article.php?i=154&igm=1
National Commission for Culture and the Arts. (n.d.). Moriones Festival.
Retrieved from http://ncca.gov.ph/about-culture-and-arts/culture-profile/glimpses-peoples-of-the-philippines/moriones-festival/