The Senakulo of Albasan: A Living Passion on the Streets of Aklan

By: Guillermo Sumbiling

In the quiet barangay of Albasan, Numancia, a unique spiritual tradition comes alive each Holy Week, drawing both faithful and curious alike to witness a rare form of religious expression on Panay Island. Unlike the grand processions and elaborate liturgies that dominate other parts of the country during Lent, the people of Albasan celebrate their faith through a compelling and immersive street play known as the Senakulo—a vivid reenactment of the Passion of Jesus Christ.

Held annually under the guidance of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI)—or the Aglipayan Church—this living drama begins on the evening of Maundy Thursday and reaches its emotional peak on Good Friday, with the streets of Albasan transformed into a stage for biblical storytelling. The IFI parish, known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Providence and Guidance, leads this spiritual and cultural event, which has become a hallmark of the Lenten season in the area.

By midday on Good Friday, the sun beats down on the performers as they recreate the journey of Christ to Calvary. The roads fill with spectators as Jesus, burdened with a wooden cross, trudges through the village flanked by Roman soldiers in handmade costumes. Local men, playing the roles of criminals and penitents, depict scenes of flagellation, adding to the dramatic tension of the performance. Women dressed as biblical figures follow in solemn procession, while children and elders observe in reverence. The apostles of Christ are portrayed by young men from the community, reflecting both biblical imagery and the youth’s active involvement in preserving this sacred tradition.

More than just a performance, the Senakulo of Albasan is a communal act of devotion. Participants are not professional actors but ordinary residents—farmers, students, elders—united by faith and tradition. Their commitment transcends performance; it is a heartfelt offering passed from generation to generation, deeply rooted in the community’s identity.

This tradition holds special meaning in Aklan, a province that is predominantly Roman Catholic. The continued presence and influence of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, a nationalist Christian denomination formed in 1902 during the American colonial period, reflect the rich religious diversity and cultural heritage of the region. In Albasan—where the IFI remains the dominant church—the annual Senakulo stands as a powerful expression of faith, identity, and community spirit.

This sacred street play not only dramatizes the Passion of Christ but also reflects the passion of a community determined to preserve its heritage. Through sweat, prayer, and the heat of a tropical sun, the people of Albasan renew their faith, bind their community, and invite the world to witness a uniquely Aklanon way of remembering the greatest story ever told.

Each year, as Lent returns and the village prepares once again for its sacred performance, the message remains clear: the spirit of sacrifice and redemption lives on—not just in scripture, but in the streets of Albasan.