About Bulakan Church
The Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion, commonly known as Bulakan Church, is one of the oldest and most significant heritage churches in Bulacan. Built during the Spanish colonial era, it embodies centuries of faith, tradition, and resilience of the Bulakeños. With its striking 19th-century Neo-Byzantine-Romanesque façade, solemn interiors, and rich historical background, the church continues to be both a spiritual sanctuary and a cultural treasure that attracts pilgrims and history enthusiasts alike. With that in mind, it was declared a Marked Historical Structure of the Philippines in 2007.
During Holy Week or the Lenten season, Bulakan Church is the center of a famous presentation, locally called "Dakip," a Filipino word that means to arrest or to abduct, which is a play that portrays how Jesus Christ was captured before the crucifixion.
According to the residents, the local parish will create a list of men from their group. Then, they will pick a name of who will be abducted on the selected date (mostly Maundy Thursday) at around 6 PM. The other group members will find the chosen one and be brought to the church, where the event will start and be followed by repentance. While the chosen one walks barefoot with a massive cross on his shoulder, a few people hit him with palm leaves. It's more than 400 meters to walk to Bulakan Church, where the activity will end with a mass.
Summary
A visit to Bulakan Church is a journey back in time, offering a glimpse into the deep spiritual and cultural roots of the province. Beyond its role as a house of worship, the church stands as a living monument to Bulacan’s enduring devotion and heritage. Whether you come to pray, admire its architecture, or simply immerse yourself in history, the Church of Bulakan remains a timeless symbol of faith and identity for generations to come.
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