Hundreds of floats join Grand Holy Wednesday procession in Baliwag, Bulacan

One of the floats in the in the annual Holy Wednesday procession at the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Saint Augustine in Baliwag, Bulacan, April 1, 2026. Lyza Aquino, ABS-CBN News

BALIWAG, Bulacan — Hundreds of elaborately decorated floats or Karosa took part in the annual Holy Wednesday procession at the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Saint Augustine, drawing large crowds to one of the country’s most anticipated Lenten traditions.

The procession began at around 6:07 p.m., with approximately 125 floats carrying religious images depicting the life, suffering, and mission of Jesus Christ.

The event is considered one of the grandest and longest processions in the Philippines, stretching nearly five kilometers.

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Among the participants is the Trinidad family, whose image of Santa Veronica has been part of the procession for nearly 200 years. The family is among the earliest to have joined the tradition, which dates back to the 1800s.

Despite rising fuel costs, 90-year-old Natividad Trinidad said their family remains committed to continuing their participation. Diesel is used to power generators that operate the floats.

“Kulang kulang 200 years, lahat eh, tumutulong kaming pamilya. Meron anak akong nagbibigay ng panggasolina, meron namang nagpapakain, ako naman doon, yung anak ko si Flordeliza siya naman ang nagaayos ng Poon, yung sa karo yung aking manugang. tulong tulong kami sa pamilya,” she said.

Her daughter, Flordeliza Trinidad-Sarmiento, described their participation as a religious vow, citing blessings and miracles they have received.

“Masasabi ko po ang mga himala nitong taon ay marami po, may mga may sakit na gumagaling na nagdarasal sa pangalan ni Santa Veronica… Manalig lang tayo at hindi tayo papabayaan ng Diyos,” she said.

Another family, the Rustias, also shared their devotion, saying their sacrifices for the procession are offered for protection and healing.

“Napakahalaga nito sa aming pamilya itong tradisyon na ito, na masama ang aming poon sa Prusisyon. Ako kasi maliit pa, ganyan na, siguro matagal na mga 200 years. Yung mga pinsan ko inaano yan, ginagastusan,” said 76-year-old Bernardita Rustia.

This year’s procession centers on reflection and a call for good governance, transparency, and accountability, particularly in light of corruption issues in the country.

Keno Enrile, head of the Commission on Liturgy of the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Augustine, explained:
“Ang tema po natin for this year, ay evangelization towards Integrity, Accountability, Transparency and responsibility, ito po ay itinalaga ng Obispo ng Diocese ng Malolos dahil po sa nangyaring korapsyon sa ating bayan.”

Rev. Fr. Francis Cortez emphasized the spiritual significance of the event, describing it as a form of catechism on Christ’s suffering and death.

“Sino ba ang higit na makakaintindi ng pinagdadaanan natin? Kundi ang Diyos… may tagumpay sa kabila ng pagpaapkasakit, sa kabila ng kamatayan sapagkat merong pagasa ng muling pagkabuhay,” he said.

Organizers said they prepared for a larger-than-usual crowd, especially as some parishes canceled their Holy Wednesday processions, potentially drawing more visitors to Baliwag.

“This year naman po, napaghandaan naman po ito ng mga mayari ng karo despite na tumataaas ang presyo ng gasolina at diesel… ineexpect po namin, na mas marami ang manonood dito Holy Wednesday,” Enrile added.