‘Tinieblas’ in Cebu: A Holy Week ritual of light, darkness, and hope

CEBU CITY, Philippines – Parishioners of Saint Joseph the Patriarch Church in Mabolo, Cebu City, gathered for Tinieblas, a quiet but powerful Holy Week ritual that reflects on Christ’s suffering and death, on Good Friday, April 18.

The tradition, whose name comes from the Spanish word for “darkness,” involves the gradual extinguishing of candles after a series of psalms and readings. As the church darkens, it symbolizes the desertion of Christ by His disciples and the moment of His death.

Fifteen candles are arranged in the shape of a triangle, symbolizing the Holy Trinity. These include 14 candles representing the 12 Apostles, the Virgin Mary, and Mary Magdalene, and a 15th at the center representing Christ.

One by one, the 14 candles are extinguished, leaving the Christ candle hidden, symbolizing Christ’s death and entombment.

The ritual ends with the strepitus, a loud noise made by slamming pews and stomping feet, echoing the earthquake that followed Jesus’ final breath.

“This darkness,” said Reverend Father Benedicto Tao, parish priest of Saint Joseph the Patriarch Church, “represents the darkness brought about by the sins of humanity. When sins pile up, whether in the life of an individual, a family, or a society, it becomes very dark. And we really need the light of Christ.”

The ritual attracted a mix of generations, from longtime devotees to younger members of the community. Many came not for the ceremony, but to quietly reflect on what the darkness means in their own lives.

“People should recognize that the sins they commit can bring so much darkness into their lives and into the world,” Tao told Rappler. “We need to be responsible and accountable. If we’ve brought damage to people’s lives, we must be sorry and try to repair the harm done.”

The return of the hidden candle at the end, a single flicker of light, serves as a gentle reminder that even in times of despair, there is always hope.

“Darkness does not have the last say,” Tao reminded. “Sin does not have the last say. That’s why we open ourselves to Christ, so that light will come in, so that there will be grace rather than sin. So it will be God who reigns, not the devil.”

Among the many Holy Week traditions observed in Cebu, Tinieblas offers a quieter and more reflective experience, one that encourages people to slow down, reflect, and prepare for the light of Easter.

– Rappler.com