Experience MORYONAN
in Santa Cruz, Marinduque
Our Moryonan Lenten Rites activities are also community-building, skills-enhancing, and talent-showcasing venues anchored on preserving our traditions through performances and competitions.
Moryonan in Santa Cruz: A Pilgrimage of Faith through History
Moryonan in Santa Cruz is a unique pilgrimage of faith, weaving history, culture, and devotion into an immersive experience during Holy Week. While the Moryonan rites is emblematic of Marinduque’s cultural heritage, it is in Santa Cruz that this tradition transcends mere reenactment, forming a profound connection between local practices and their transhistorical roots.
Here, the Moryonan isn’t just a portrayal; it’s an avenue for pilgrims to delve into the historical and transcultural origins of their faith. The authenticity and intensity of historical reenactments heighten the pilgrims’ encounters, instilling a deeper sense of devotion and spiritual reflection.
Beyond its spiritual significance, Moryonan in Santa Cruz is also a stage where community talents and skills shine brightly. Through intricately crafted costumes, theatrical performances, and cultural exhibitions, the local economy flourishes during Holy Week. This surge in economic activity not only supports the community but also opens doors for the development of creative industries, fostering sustainable growth beyond the festivities.
In Santa Cruz, the Moryonan isn’t just an event; it’s a profound convergence of history, faith, community, and economic opportunity. It’s an invitation for pilgrims to immerse themselves in a journey that transcends time, connecting the present with the rich tapestry of the past, while celebrating the vibrant spirit and cultural wealth of Marinduque’s heritage.
It is with great pleasure that I extend a warm welcome to each of you to the heart of our cherished Santa Cruz. As Mayor, I am honored to invite you to partake in the deeply enriching experience of our Moryonan tradition. Here, amidst our rich cultural tapestry, witness the intertwining threads of history, faith, and community spirit. May your journey with us be one of profound discovery, reflection, and cherished memories.
MARISA RED-MARTINEZ
2024 Programme
Gunitâ: Province-Wide Grand Lenten Street Performance and Parade Competition
Originating from the annual Lenten Parade of local government officials and public school teachers, GUNITÂ (Remembrance) is an initiative of Mayor Marisa Red-Martinez to enable other members of the community to participate in the parade. To incentivize and partly subsidize the making of costumes, Gunita features a competition among local groups in showcasing their interpretation through self-made costumes Biblical and historical communities. As part of the Holy Week festivities, this competition has become a cherished platform, creating a living narrative that captivates both participants and spectators.
Structured as a street performance competition, Gunita participants draw inspiration from diverse biblical communities, portraying scenes ranging from the rural coastal fishing villages of the biblical Galileans to the Roman pomp of Pilate’s Court. With meticulous attention to detail, participants craft costumes, choreograph movements, and execute a three-minute street performance at designated parade stations.
ArtVenture FashionMerchandise
To provide a setting for the local practice of wearing what Marinduqueños have come to call as “Samaritana” costumes depicting Biblical attire and at the same time capture the surge in economic activity during the Holy Week, the local government of Santa Cruz has been conducting a street bazaar/fair featuring local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This bazaar comes with an interesting twist, however. Stalls and booths are decorated to recreate ancient Roman-style market places – the kind that would have most likely existed in Jerusalem during the biblical narratives of Christ’s life and death.
This 2024, I Love Santa Cruz Collective will be participating in the street bazaar by showcasing our artists’ painted fashion merchandise – the outputs of a month-long art and fashion design camp initiated by Mayor Marisa Red-Martinez. Featuring artistic interpretations of the iconic Morion image of Santa Cruz, our artist-crafted jeans, shoes, tote bags, bucket hats, and shorts bridge not only culture with art, but also art with everyday accessible fashion.
Our artists will likewise be offering on-the-spot customization services for locals and tourists who wish to have their shoes or any fashion apparel customized.
Kristo Ang Tagapagligtas: The Santa Cruz Senakulo (Lenten Passion Play)
Staged on Good Friday evening after the Catholic procession of the Santo Sepulcro (the burial of Christ), the Santa Cruz annual Senakulo (or passion play) is the grand culmination of a week-long commemoration during the Moryonan Lenten Rites in Marinduque, Philippines. This solemn yet vibrant theatrical production, deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of Santa Cruz, Marinduque, serves as a powerful testament to the enduring spiritual and artistic traditions within the community.