Crucifixion in the Philippines

In the Philippines, Good Friday is spent performing a very literal reenactment of the Bible, specifically, the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The annual ritual, which draws crowds of spectators to the streets of San Fernando — a city 50 miles north of Manila — feels like the movies, except it's all real, from the Roman costumes, down to the real nails being hammered into real human hands.

The celebrations have been going on for years, much to the disappointment of the Catholic Church, who says the ritual is a corruption of Christ's message.

VICE News attends the Good Friday celebrations in San Fernando to speak with people partaking in this controversial ritual.

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