“Pasyon” in Ilocos: A dying tradition?






ILOCOS SUR – The few remaining “pasyon” readers in this province are alarmed that the tradition they inherit from older generations would no longer be heard during Lenten season. 

Vicky Lucero, 59 and Agapita Llanes, 80 are two of the few remaining “pasyon” readers in the province. They are tandem in performing the leccio (term use by locals instead of pasyon), Vicky is the first voice and Agapita is the second voice. 


They both learned performing the “pasyon” during their younger years. Now, they fear that they will not be able to pass on to the younger generation the tradition that became part of their devotion as well as too many Ilokano listeners. 

“Sana may matuto na din talaga at seryosohin dahil matatanda na kame, ako ay 80 years old na, mahirap lalo’t hindi naman natin alam kung ano ang mangyayari sa buhay. Gusto ko din sana na bago man lang ako mawala may papalit na din sa akin para sa mga susunod na taon na kahit maging moderno naroroon parin itong tradisyon” Agapita Llanes said. 

Although they started teaching some kids in performing the “pasyon” but still no one is serious in keeping the tradition. 

“Hindi kasi nila sineseryoso dahil hindi sila interesadom, sa simula nakukuha nila tapos kapag itataas na nila yung tono sa tipong paiyak na nagtatawanan na sila at kapag pinapaulit hindi na nila gusto” said Vicky Lucero. 

In the previous years, “pasyon” is usually heard a month before the holy week, now it can only be heard during Maundy Thursday until Black Saturday. 

This Lenten season, Vicky and Agapita will continue their devotion and will perform “pasyon” in front of Vigan City Hall, St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral and Calle Crisologo.

They are hopeful that through their performance they will be able to recruit new generations that would continue the tradition that has become a part of the belief and devotion of the Ilokanos.

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