Crucifixions in Philippines draw crowds

A religious practice discouraged by the Roman Catholic church drew thousands of spectators to a small farming village north of Manila on Friday.

Nearly a dozen Catholic devotees were nailed to crosses to re-enact the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Two inch nails treated in alcohol were pounded into their hands and feet before they were hoisted onto wooden crosses in the sweltering heat.

Although the church officially disapproves of such extreme displays of devotion, some say they will continue to do it as a way to repent.

(SOUNDBITE) (Filipino) CARPENTER AND DEVOTEE RUBEN ENAJE SAYING:

"Even if the Church bans it, we will still keep doing it. They should understand that we keep must honour our practice as we honour their teachings."

The ritual has grown over the years attracting crucifixion tourists from all over the world.

This woman is a travel show host from Holland, but lamented over not getting the full experience.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) DUTCH PRODUCTION TEAM EYEWORKS TRAVEL HOST IMKA WIERNGA

"We try to carry a huge cross and we couldn't because everybody was filming us, and we try to suffer like these people, but it's been very hard. We became the centre of attention instead of them."

The crucifixions and flagellations are a long-standing tradition in the Philippines where over 80 percent of the population are Catholic.

Julie Noce, Reuters