SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – Local officials of this province have banned foreigners from participating in this year’s annual traditional re-enactment of Christ’s crucifixion every Good Friday to keep the ritual’s “solemnity,” it was learned Monday.

City Councilor Jimmy Lazatin said the reenactment of Christ’s crucifixion, locally called the “Cutud,” this Good Friday is being organized by San Pedro residents.

The yearly event is participated in by Filipino Catholics who see it as a form of penance.

Lazatin told newsmen that the annual Good Friday event has attracted thousands of local and foreign tourists, especially Asian.

When asked why foreigners are now banned from joining the traditional crucifixion re-enactment on Good Friday, the officials said tourists “made fun of the rites” last year.

“Ginawa nilang parang shooting or parang laro-laro lang. Nawawala yung kahalagaan ng aming panata tuwing sasapit ang Mahal na Araw,” an official here said.

Foreigners can still watch but can no longer join in the event that will be held at the “Groto of Cacutud.”

Meanwhile, Church Auxiliary Bishop Pablo David said the crucifixion reenactment is not tolerated by the Roman Catholic Church.

“This is a tourist activity drawing thousands of people yearly but does nothing for the teachings of the Church," David said.

“The archdiocese tolerates the ‘Cutud’ but would rather it not take place. It is folk religiousity but not one we favor at all," he added.

The San Fernando bishop and various parish church leaders in this province also shunned the participation of both local and foreign tourists in the event, saying “the ceremony is not good for anyone."

“Whether or not foreigners take part in the ceremony is no concern to us,” a church official said.

Several priests in Pampanga said they do not sanction the event. Father Arnulfo Serrano, parish priest of Santo Niño parish near San Pedro, said his parish has no interest in the reenactment of Christ’s crucifixion in San Pedro Cutud.

“We cannot sanction these private pious acts, and parishioners know it,” Serrano said, adding that some of his parishioners who join the Scourging at the Pillar rite on Holy Thursday “cover their faces so we would not recognize them.