TARLAC is known not only for spiritual activities in observance of the Holy Week but also home to the famous relic of the Holy Cross where Jesus Christ was crucified that is on exhibit atop a hill at the Monasterio de Tarlac in San Jose town.

A group of devotees flagellate themselves as they walk toward the site of Good Friday crucifixions at Barangay San Pedro Cutud in San Fernando, Pampanga.

On January 30, 2007, the sacred relic of the Holy Cross was enshrined in a baroque-inspired chapel on the Mountain of Resurrection in San Jose, Tarlac. Across the area stands a statue of the Risen Christ similar to that of Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer in Brazil.

Archbishop Fernando Filoni who was the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines then officiated at the enshrinement.

The relic is enshrined beneath the chapel’s altar, held by a golden arquetta adorned with religious symbols and pilgrims are allowed to touch the relic after the masses celebrated at 10:30 a.m. everyday and at 3 p.m. on Sundays.

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Tarlac is also hosts the annual “Belenismo sa Tarlac” which depicts the birth of Jesus Christ where government and private establishments join the competition for the most creative presentation of the Nativity.

This activity held every December has made Tarlac the “Belen Capital of the Philippines.”