Thousands of devotees on Maundy Thursday flocked to the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, known as Antipolo Cathedral for the traditional "Penitential Walk" or "Alay Lakad".
Based on Antipolo Cathedral’s live updates posted on Facebook, devotees joined the "Penitential Walk" that started at about 6:30 pm in Tinikling District, Taytay Rizal.
The "Alay Lakad" lasted until 6 am on Good Friday.
“Kasabay ng pagsikat ng araw ang pag-akyat pa din ng ilang mga deboto sa ating dambana. Ang ating pasasalamat sa lahat ng nakiisa ngayong ALAY LAKAD 2023. Nawa, ito ay naging paglalakbay natin sa patnubay ng Mahal na Birhen ng Antipolo patungo sa bagong buhay. VIVA LA VIRGEN!” the Antipolo Cathedral said.
The Antipolo City Police Station had earlier deployed undercover policemen to ensure the safety of the participants and to prevent crimes during the traditional walk. It also established a Public Assistance Desk in several areas of the City.
This is the first time in three years that "Alay Lakad" resumed after it was halted due to the pandemic.
Prior to the pandemic, over four million devotees reportedly joined the 17-kilometer walk from Tinikling to Antipolo Cathedral.
