Behind the scenes of Marinduque's Moriones Festival

Resident of Mogpog town in Marinduque prepare for the annual Moriones Festival, an annual recreation of the the life of Saint Longinus.

Longinus was the half-blind centurion tasked with driving a spear into the side of Jesus. When Jesus’ blood touched him, Longinus’ vision returned. He then converted to Christianity and turned his back on his fellow centurions.

The weeklong festival started on Palm Sunday and culminates on Easter Sunday.

During this week, participants brave the heat in full centurion garb, looking for the fugitive Longinus.

The word ‘morion’ means ‘mask.’

Jhun Mazon helps her daughter Jhonnilyn dress up in Centurion garb. REUTERS

Ella Mazon carries her Morion (mask) as she walks in an alley outside her house, REUTERS

Members of the Mazon family get their masks on the second day of Holy Week celebrations in Mogpog, Marinduque. REUTERS