Good Friday in San Pedro Cutud (in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga province, Philippines) sees the Via Crucis (Way Of The Cross) being acted out in the streets. This re-enactment of the 12 stages of the cross starts with Jesus being sentenced to death by Pontius Pilate and culminates in his crucifixion.

The crucifixion is real inasmuch as steel nails are driven through the palms of the hands and into the soft tissue between the toes. No long term damage is caused, and the ordeal typically lasts about 15 minutes after which Jesus is taken down from the cross, nails are removed and the wounds dressed. These Lenten Rites draw large crowds, estimated at about 30,000 in 2006. Spectators watched Jesus being crucified followed by another 8 penitents suffering the same fate. Some repeat the ritual year after year. Pampanga carpenter Ruben Enage was on the cross for his 20th time in 2006. Some reasons penitents give for enduring the crucifixion include asking for forgiveness for their sins, praying for peace, and asking for good fortune.

The Catholic Church disapproves of these acts and distances itself from them saying it is a misrepresentation of the faith.

A crucifixion can be seen in close detail in the Crucifixion Up Close gallery.
Associated with the Lenten Rites is the act of Self Flagellation which can be seen in the Lenten Rites Flagellation gallery.
However if you don't like the sight of blood these galleries may not be for you...