SAN PEDRO CUTUD, Philippines — At least 16 devotees have been nailed to crosses in the northern Philippines during an annual Good Friday reenactment of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The celebration mixes Roman Catholic devotion with Filipino folk beliefs on sacrifices and miracles.

The crucified devotees spent several minutes on the cross while thousands of tourists watched the spectacle, which the church has discouraged in recent years.

Earlier Friday, hooded male penitents trudged around villages in Pampanga province under the blazing sun while flagellating themselves with makeshift whips. Two men and a woman separately carried wooden crosses to dramatize Christ's sacrifice.

Devotees undergo the hardships in the belief that such extreme sacrifices are a way to atone for their sins, attain miracle cures for illnesses, or give thanks to God.