Philippines resumes Easter live reenactments after COVID hiatus.
Despite objections from the Catholic Church, the annual Good Friday tradition of real-life crucifixions resumed in the Philippines after a three-year pause due to the pandemic. Eight men were nailed to crosses in the farming village of San Pedro Cutud, drawing thousands of devotees and tourists. The tradition reflects the Philippines' unique brand of Catholicism, which merges church traditions with folk superstitions. Many impoverished penitents undergo the ritual to atone for sins, pray for the sick or for a better life, and give thanks for miracles.