Every year, the Lenten season in the Philippines brings a unique blend of solemn religious observance and vibrant cultural tradition. Yet, alongside the processions, passion plays, and family gatherings, the period is also marked by a spike in accidents and health incidents—many of which are intertwined with age-old beliefs and practices.
Despite the Philippine National Police declaring recent Holy Week observances as generally “peaceful,” official records show that accidents are not uncommon. A vehicular accident during Bacolod City’s Lenten observances, for instance, occurred when a Toyota Innova driven by an Indian national crashed into a Good Friday procession in Barangay Alangilan on April 18, 2025. The vehicle struck a tricycle, a police patrol car securing the event, and participants, resulting in 2–3 fatalities (reports vary) and 9–17 injuries.
As children, our grandmother gave us strict instructions never to go out on Good Friday, warning that something bad might happen. Nowadays, most people no longer observe this tradition. However, with the recent accidents and unfortunate deaths, the elders often say, “gaba” (a punishment for wrongdoing) or “merisi” (serves you right), reflecting their belief in the consequences of disregarding these old warnings.
Many of these accidents are linked to traditional beliefs or “pamahiin” that continue to shape behavior during Lent. For instance, a widespread superstition warns against traveling or swimming during Holy Week, especially on Good Friday, with the belief that accidents are more likely because “God is dead” and divine protection is absent. Parents often discourage children from playing outdoors, citing the notion that wounds incurred during Lent heal more slowly—a belief rooted in the symbolism of Christ’s suffering and resurrection.
These superstitions, while meant to encourage caution and reflection, sometimes have the opposite effect. Some people, feeling protected by their religious observance, may take unnecessary risks, such as joining penitential rites involving self-flagellation or crucifixion reenactments, which can lead to serious injuries. Others, eager to make the most of the holiday, ignore warnings and flock to beaches and resorts, resulting in the annual spike in drowning cases.
The persistence of these beliefs highlights the tension between tradition and modern safety protocols. While authorities urge the public to observe practical measures—like staying hydrated, avoiding crowded places, and ensuring vehicles are roadworthy—old customs remain deeply embedded in the collective consciousness. The DOH’s reminders to avoid touching religious icons or to take precautions during processions are often at odds with the tactile, communal nature of Filipino Lenten practices.
In the end, the accidents that occur during Lent are not just the result of increased activity or travel, but also a reflection of how old beliefs continue to influence behavior. As the country moves forward, balancing respect for tradition with the need for safety remains a challenge. Perhaps the true spirit of Lent lies not only in ritual and remembrance but also in caring for oneself and others—an act of faith that transcends superstition and safeguards life. ||
