Act of penance

CONTENT WARNING: This post contains images of religious self-flagellation, which may be distressing to some viewers. Participants take part in this cultural tradition willingly as an act of faith and penance.

Barefoot Catholic devotees in Rosario, Cavite walk under the sun and flagellate themselves in a solemn act of penance on Maundy Thursday, 17 April 2025. After the painful ritual, many cleanse their wounds in the sea, where saltwater stings their backs.