Catholic devotees in the northern Philippines were nailed to wooden crosses on Good Friday to reenact Jesus Christ's crucifixion.

Hundreds of spectators gathered around a hill in the rural village of Cutud, about 80 kilometers or 50 miles north of Manila, to watch the annual bloody rites which originally started as a small stage play in the 1960s.

Two-inch nails soaked in alcohol were hammered onto the penitents' hands and feet. Ropes and fabric then supported their weight as they were hoisted up, pinned to wooden crosses.

Devotees recited short prayers under the midday sun and were later brought down and taken on a stretcher to treat their wounds.

The bloody rite has become a a popular tourist event in recent years despite the its graphic nature.

Every year during the Lenten season - a 40-day commemoration of the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ - devotees in the Philippines practice their penance with long-standing traditions such as crucifixion, flagellation, fasting and pilgrimage to churches that are believed to wash away sins.

Such rituals as seen in the northern Philippines, however, are extreme displays of religious devotion practiced by many Catholics in the region.

The Catholic Church has expressed disapproval of these self-punishments, deeming them misinterpretations of faith and saying prayers and sincere repentance are enough to commemorate the observance of Lent.

Despite opposition from the Church, such practices still continue across the predominantly Catholic country.

Over 80 percent of the 100 million population practices the Catholic religion, making the Philippines the only known Asian country with predominantly Catholic beliefs.

The crucifixion rituals are held during the Holy Week, an eight-day celebration starting from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday.