Christians Around the World Mark Good Friday with Powerful Acts of Devotion and Sacrifice

Across continents and cultures, Christians commemorated Good Friday with powerful and often emotional processions, rituals, and reenactments to honour the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. From the ancient streets of Jerusalem to the mountain villages of the Philippines, believers came together to relive and reflect on the suffering that Jesus endured on his path to the cross.

Good Friday, observed during Holy Week, marks the solemn day when Christians believe Jesus was crucified. The observance is deeply rooted in tradition, with many countries embracing symbolic displays of faith, penance, and remembrance. These acts are not just expressions of belief, but also personal sacrifices made to emulate Christ’s journey through pain and humility.

Taxco, Mexico: A Night of Silence, Pain, and Penance

In the Mexican town of Taxco, a centuries-old tradition unfolded under the cover of night. Hundreds of Catholic devotees participated in an overnight procession, walking silently through cobblestone streets in an expression of penitence. Among them were the “encruzados” — men carrying large, heavy bundles of thorny branches on their backs, symbolising the weight of the cross Jesus carried.

Wearing masks to remain anonymous, these participants walked barefoot, their backs burdened by the painful thorns. Alongside them were flagellants, known as “flagelantes,” who whipped themselves with a rope-like instrument embedded with nails, known as the disciplina — a ritual meant to atone for sins and to share in Christ’s suffering.

Masked women, called “encorvadas” or "the hunchbacks," also joined the march, dragging chains behind them and carrying wooden crosses, their heads bowed and faces obscured by dark veils. The silent pilgrimage, dimly lit by flickering candles, created a haunting but deeply moving atmosphere of reflection and reverence.

This tradition, dating back to 1622, continues to draw spectators and participants alike — not for spectacle, but for spiritual significance.

Jerusalem: Walking in Christ’s Footsteps

In the Old City of Jerusalem, the faithful traced the final steps of Jesus along the Via Dolorosa, the path believed to be the route Christ walked on the way to his crucifixion. Pilgrims carried large wooden crosses on their backs, stopping to pray at each of the 14 Stations of the Cross — symbolic sites linked to events during Christ's Passion.

The path winds through the limestone-walled city, and on Good Friday, it echoes with hymns, prayers, and the quiet footsteps of worshippers. It is considered one of the most spiritually significant journeys a Christian can make.

“This is more than a walk,” said one pilgrim. “It’s a journey through faith, pain, and love.”

Philippines: The Passion Re-Enacted in Painful Detail

In the province of Pampanga in the Philippines, Good Friday is marked with a spectacle that has both captivated and divided opinions for decades: the live crucifixion reenactment. While officially discouraged by the Catholic Church, the tradition remains a highlight of Holy Week in the region.

This year, the small village of San Pedro Cutud once again drew crowds of locals and international tourists. Among the most watched was 64-year-old Ruben Enaje, who portrayed Jesus in the dramatic Way of the Cross. Enaje, who has taken part in the ritual since 1985, was nailed to a wooden cross for the 36th and final time.

“I am old already. Our bodies are like plants that are drying up, so I decided to stop already,” Enaje said during a press conference before the event.

Spectators included people like David Harper, a 50-year-old tourist from the UK. “This is unique, it’s possibly crazy,” he remarked. “It’s very hardcore. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life.”

While the reenactment is controversial, for many of the participants, it is an act of gratitude, devotion, and spiritual renewal.

Calanda, Spain: Drums Echo the Earthquake of Christ’s Death

In the Spanish village of Calanda, Good Friday was marked not by silence, but by the thunderous sound of thousands of drums. Beginning precisely at noon, more than a thousand people gathered around the local church to participate in the rompida de la hora — the "break of the hour."

This powerful moment symbolises the roar that was said to be heard on Earth at the moment of Christ’s death. The drumming continues without pause for 26 hours, creating a sonic landscape that resonates through the soul and the streets alike.

A Global Tradition of Suffering and Hope

Despite the cultural differences, the common thread in all these observances is the desire to connect with the suffering, sacrifice, and ultimate love that Christians believe Jesus showed on the cross. Whether through quiet processions, self-flagellation, or public reenactments, these Good Friday traditions bring people closer to the heart of their faith.

As the Holy Week culminates in the joy of Easter Sunday, these rituals serve as a somber yet powerful reminder of what preceded the resurrection — a story of pain, redemption, and enduring hope.

A Shared Faith, A World of Expression

From the solemn streets of Jerusalem to the dramatic rituals of the Philippines, Good Friday serves as a powerful reminder of the global nature of Christian faith — and the many ways believers express their devotion. While the traditions vary widely, from silent penance to rhythmic drumming or even crucifixion reenactments, they all speak to a deep reverence for the sacrifice Jesus made.

These acts of remembrance, some painful and intense, others symbolic and spiritual, connect millions of people in a moment of shared reflection. As Christians prepare to celebrate the hope and renewal of Easter Sunday, Good Friday remains a moving testament to the enduring impact of the Passion of Christ — a story that continues to resonate across centuries, cultures, and hearts.