Devotion

The Oxford Dictionary defines the word 'Devotion' as "love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person or activity". The Philippines' biggest religious and cultural devotions are The Black Nazarene of Quiapo and The Sinulog Festival.

Procession of The Santo Niño through Cebu City

However I should clarify that during these processions Filipinos are not lining the streets in an orderly fashion, rather they are literally pilling on top of one another without consideration of their surroundings, squashed up uncomfortably against one another like a tight fitting shoe.

Procession of The Black Nazarene through the streets of Quiapo

However I should clarify that during these processions Filipinos are not lining the streets in an orderly fashion, rather they are literally pilling on top of one another without consideration of their surroundings, squashed up uncomfortably against one another like a tight fitting shoe.

The Black Nazarene of Quiapo 

Viva! Pit Señor!

Devotions to religious icons can be a difficult concept to understand but for the people who put themselves in such circumstances it is at the core of their being, it helps them get through the highs and lows of their life, it is their way of giving thanks to God. It is clear that in the Philippines culture and religion go hand in hand.

Alisha