Holy Week in Intramuros

Several activities will be held in the historic walled city of Intramuros in observance of Holy Week.

The Department of Tourism ( DOT) announced on Friday that nine sites will be open to pilgrims and tourists for the conduct of the traditional “Visita Iglesia” on Maundy Thursday, April 18, to Black Saturday, April 20.

The religious sites that will be open are the Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Parish Church, Fr. Willman Chapel at the Knights of Columbus Building, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Chapel, Mapua University Chapel, Lyceum of the Philippines University Chapel, Colegio de San Juan de Letran Chapel, St. Matthew’s Chapel at the Bureau of Internal Revenue Building, and Guadalupe Shrine at the Fort Santiago.

Stations of the Cross installations will also be displayed at the stretch of General Luna Street, from Beaterio Street to Muralla (side of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila) from Maundy Thursday to Black Saturday.

A “Penetencia,” the traditional reenactment of the suffering of Jesus Christ, will also be staged on Holy Thursday around Plaza Roma and the Manila Cathedral at 7 p.m.

To facilitate traffic within Intramuros, General Luna Street will be closed to all vehicles from the night of Holy Wednesday until Good Friday. There will be designated areas for the public parking in the various locations.

Members of the Manila Police District, Philippine Navy-Naval Reserve Command ( NAVRESCOM), and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) will provide security and health assistance to the tourists and devotees. (Analou De Vera)