What is moriones festival?

The Moriones Festival is a colorful and vibrant folk-religious event held annually in Marinduque, Philippines during Holy Week.

The festival features participants dressed as Roman soldiers, known as "Moriones," wearing brightly colored, intricately carved wooden masks and Roman armor. These masks are often grotesque and depict various expressions, adding to the spectacle. The Moriones parade around town for several days, re-enacting the story of Longinus, the Roman centurion who was blind in one eye.

Key aspects of the festival include:

• Moriones: The masked participants who are the main feature of the festival.
• Longinus: The story of Longinus, the Roman centurion whose blindness was cured by Christ's blood, is central to the festival. His conversion to Christianity is the climax of the event.
• Holy%20Week: The festival takes place during Holy Week, a significant religious observance for Christians.
• Marinduque: The island province where the festival is celebrated. The festival is deeply embedded in the local culture and identity of Marinduque.
• Wooden%20Masks: The elaborate and often grotesque wooden masks worn by the Moriones are a defining characteristic of the festival.

The festival is a blend of religious tradition, folklore, and local artistry, attracting both locals and tourists alike. While it's a spectacle, it also has deep religious meaning for the people of Marinduque.