Residents watch mask-wearing penitents locally called “Morions”, as they parade during the start of Holy Week celebrations in Mogpog, Marinduque in central Philippines March 21, 2016. The Moriones is an annual festival held on Holy Week on the island of Marinduque, Philippines. The “Moriones” are men and women in costumes and masks replicating the garb of biblical Roman soldiers as interpreted by local folks. The Moriones or Moryonan tradition has inspired the creation of other festivals in the Philippines where cultural practices or folk history is turned into street festivals. It is a colorful festival celebrated on the island of Marinduque in the Philippines. The participants use morion masks to depict the Roman soldiers and Syrian mercenaries within the story of the Passion of the Christ. The mask was named after the 16th and 17th century Morion helmet. The Moriones refers to the masked and costumed penitents who march around the town for seven days searching for Longinus. Morions roam the streets in town from Holy Monday to Easter Sunday scaring the kids, or engaging in antics or surprises to draw attention. This is a folk-religious festival that re-enacts the story of Saint Longinus, a Roman centurion who was blind in one eye. The festival is characterized by colorful Roman costumes, painted masks and helmets, and brightly colored tunics. (Photo by Erik De Castro/Reuters)





Penitents wearing masks, known locally as “Morions” take a selfie during the start of Holy Week celebrations in Mogpog, Marinduque in central Philippines March 21, 2016. (Photo by Erik De Castro/Reuters)





A penitent locally called “Morions” teases a resident as they parade during the start of Holy Week celebrations in Mogpog, Marinduque in central Philippines March 21, 2016. (Photo by Erik De Castro/Reuters)





Penitents locally called “Morions” parade during the start of Holy Week celebrations in Mogpog, Marinduque in central Philippines March 21, 2016. (Photo by Erik De Castro/Reuters)





Penitents locally called “Morions” parade during the start of Holy Week celebrations in Mogpog, Marinduque in central Philippines March 21, 2016. (Photo by Erik De Castro/Reuters)





Penitents known locally as “Morions” parade during the start of Holy Week celebrations in Mogpog, Marinduque in central Philippines March 21, 2016. (Photo by Erik De Castro/Reuters)





Penitents known locally as “Morions” wear costumes made of coffee and chocolate Milo drink packaging as they parade during the start of Holy Week celebrations in Mogpog, Marinduque in central Philippines March 21, 2016. (Photo by Erik De Castro/Reuters)





Penitents locally called “Morions” take part in a parade during the start of Holy Week celebration in Mogpog, Marinduque in central Philippines March 21, 2016. (Photo by Erik De Castro/Reuters)





Penitents locally called “Morions” take part in the start of Holy Week celebrations in Mogpog, Marinduque in central Philippines March 21, 2016. (Photo by Erik De Castro/Reuters)





Penitents locally called “Morions” take part in a parade during the start of Holy Week celebrations in Mogpog, Marinduque in central Philippines March 21, 2016. (Photo by Erik De Castro/Reuters)





A woman, and her daughters, dressed as penitents locally called “Morions”, carries her baby during the start of Holy Week celebrations in Mogpog, Marinduque in central Philippines March 21, 2016. (Photo by Erik De Castro/Reuters)





Penitents locally called “Morions” take part in the start of Holy Week celebrations in Mogpog, Marinduque in central Philippines March 21, 2016. (Photo by Erik De Castro/Reuters)





Penitents locally called “Morions” take part in the start of Holy Week celebrations in Mogpog, Marinduque in central Philippines March 21, 2016. (Photo by Erik De Castro/Reuters)





A family of penitents, dressed in masks and centurion costumes, known locally as “Morions” take a picture during the start of Holy Week celebrations in Mogpog, Marinduque in central Philippines March 21, 2016. (Photo by Erik De Castro/Reuters)





Penitents locally called “Morions” take part in the start of Holy Week celebrations in Mogpog, Marinduque in central Philippines March 21, 2016. (Photo by Erik De Castro/Reuters)





Penitents locally called “Morions” take part in the start of Holy Week celebrations in Mogpog, Marinduque in central Philippines March 21, 2016. (Photo by Erik De Castro/Reuters)





Penitents locally called “Morions” take part in the start of Holy Week celebrations in Mogpog, Marinduque in central Philippines March 21, 2016. (Photo by Erik De Castro/Reuters)