The trail: Rongga tribe members in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, commence a death ritual called Ngore Ngote Sara Jawa to mark Good Friday.

Catholics in Kamba, Flores observed Good Friday in their own unique way.

While others commemorated the death of Jesus Christ by attending church services, the people of Rongga, a local tribe in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), celebrated Good Friday by carrying out a death ritual called Ngore Ngote Sara Jawa.

The ritual is usually carried out by the tribe to honor the death of important figures or leaders of the tribe.

As Jesus is considered a hero of the people, Rongga tribe members performed Ngore Ngote Sara Jawa on Good Friday.

Rongga tribe chief Thomas Ola said the ritual was adapted to Good Friday because the tribe considered Jesus Christ as not only a leader of the tribe but of Catholics in general.

Of all the rituals and traditions in Flores, the church has chosen the centuries-old ritual to celebrate the death of its big chief, Jesus Christ.

Good News parish in Waerana is one of 80 parishes in Ruteng Diocese that holds Ngore Ngote Sara Jawa  on Good Friday in NTT.

 '€œThis is usually carried out for seven days, along with performances of the local dance, vera,'€ Thomas explained.

He said that the dance was performed during the killings of animals for the feast. Buffaloes and pigs are two animals killed for the ceremony.

Lighting up the night: Children participate by holding candles during the celebration.

During the ritual, Thomas added, the people wore black costumes and carried black flags, while beating drums.

Frans Sadung, a local figure, said the tradition of beating the drums had replaced the crying ritual in the death ceremony.

'€œThe ritual is dedicated only to special people within the tribe,'€ he said.

Local priest Alex Popos explained that holding Ngore Ngote Sara Jawa had become a Good Friday tradition for Good News parish in Waerana. The ritual is performed by the local community.

'€œThe Catholic church appreciates and respects local cultures. The acculturation of local traditions in the celebration of Catholics'€™ holidays shows our dedication to our Creator,'€ he said.

Cleansing: Priests wash their students'€™ feet at Santo Arnoldus Church.

Happy together: Clad in traditional woven clothes, church choir members celebrate Good Friday.

Shining lights: Priests light up the candles during the ritual.

- Text and photos by JP/Markus Makur