For the past 40 years, several residents of the city have actively participated in the staging of the traditional and modern Senakulo presentations as part of their panata or sacrificial devotion, started by their ancestors and is now being passed on from generation to generation.

The Senakulo is a dramatization of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, usually done in narrative recitation (pasyon) or role-playing.

According to Mayor Neptali M. Gonzales II, the showing of senakulo in the city only shows how Mandalenos value Filipino tradition and culture despite various changes in society.

The traditional Senakulo of Barangka to be performed by talented barangay residents who do not have any theater background, will be staged daily starting today (Holy Monday) until April 15 (Black Saturday), from 8 p.m. to 12 midnight at its town plaza.

Most of them are students, elders, housewives, and tricycle drivers.

The modern version of the Senakulo will begin on April 12 (Holy Wednesday) until April 15 (Black Saturday) from 8 p.m. to 12 midnight at the Plaza Tatlong Bayani of Barangay Hagdan Bato Itaas.

To be performed by the Samahang Matiaga Cenaculista, this Senakulo is the contemporary version of the centuries-old passion play. It is fast-paced, livelier and richer in musicality to keep it more interesting to the youth who are often bored by the traditional senakulo presentations.

The modern play will also utilize music from award-winning soundtracks of popular movies.