Mayor's Statement

Kapampangan Catholics, including those in the City of San Fernando, annually observe the Holy Week that is locally termed Maleldo for “Mal a Aldo” or Holy Days.

The annual re-enactment of the Crucifixion that takes place during this period in Barangay San Pedro Cutud in this city is essentially religious in nature, as those directly involved fulfill personal vows of penitence. The street play Via Crusis that precedes the actual nailing on the cross intends to encourage contemplation on the Passion and Death of the Christ.

However, crowds from other places come foremost to witness the re-enactment with curiosity and interest, pushing the religious observance of this tradition to the background, if not entirely overlooking its essence, and removing all vestiges of solemnity.

Although this is a religious practice, the City Government is compelled to implement each year regulatory steps due to the increasing magnitude of domestic and foreign tourists that include members of the diplomatic corps. Traffic schemes, media accreditation, provision of on-site safety, security and medical emergency services are the major measures prepared and undertaken to ensure peace and order in the areas concerned.

This year, the “Maleldo” Executive Committee is chaired by City Councilor Jimmy T. Lazatin and co-chaired by Engr. Marnie Castro of the private sector.

For several years now, the event also takes place in the adjacent barangays of Sta. Lucia and San Juan that have also started to attract visitors to their own version of the re-enactment.

While the occasion is proving to be beneficial to the City in terms of tourism and business, the Local Government would rather encourage the public to join in the observance of the Holy Week with a meditative spirit while witnessing the rites, rather than promote it as a tourist attraction. It also emphasizes that this religious practice is part of a culture that goes back through the years and continues to evolve into what is truly reflective of the religiosity and fervor of the Fernandino soul.