Celebration organizing committee chairman Yosep Naran Leni said an estimated 5,000 pilgrims from here and abroad had arrived at Reinha Rosari City, going by the nickname Larantuka, for the celebration.

“They will stay in houses and schools prepared by the committee,” said Yosep, also a priest at the Reinha Rosari Parish, on Tuesday, adding that various events would open the holy week celebration.

He said it had been a special occasion for Catholics in Larantuka since 1599.

“A coffin believed to hold Jesus Christ will be paraded around Larantuka, followed by the statue of the Virgin Mary Mater Dolorosa, which Catholics in Larantuka refer to as ‘Tuan Ma’,” Yosep said.

He added the entourage would stop by a number of locations and would be carrying other significant religious symbols, he said.

“Religious symbols for the procession are being kept at a special chapel and are only displayed to the public once a year,” he said.

Yosep also expressed hope the procession would run smoothly, especially because thorough preparation had been undertaken.

Among foreign pilgrims expected to join the celebration reportedly include Portugal Ambassador to Indonesia Carlos Manuel Leitao Forota and his family, Bishop Emeritus Fatima of Portugal and other foreign missionaries.

Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu and Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro are also expected to attend. Data at the organizing committee shows at least 92 groups of pilgrims comprising of more than 5,000 people have registered themselves to the committee as of Tuesday.

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