Locals call it La Santa Muerte, or the Holy Death. It’s a very old figure that has been part of Argao’s Holy Week tradition for hundreds of years. Many say it was first introduced by Spanish friars as a “memento mori,” a reminder that life is short and everyone will face death one day.   

According to longtime caretaker Roberto Rubia Alcazar, 82 years old, the skeleton is not something to be afraid of.

“It’s not for worship,” he said. “It reminds us that death comes before new life.”   

Each year, Alcazar and a few helpers prepare the skeleton by cleaning it, dressing it in black cloth, and placing candles and flowers around it. After the Good Friday procession, they carefully keep it in a safe place until next year.   

For others, La Santa Muerte means more than tradition. Dance Alvarez, a spiritual adviser from Cebu City, believes the figure listens to those who pray.

“She doesn’t judge,” Alvarez said. “You can talk to her even when you feel lost.”   

The Catholic Church, however, asks people to treat La Muerte only as a symbol. Parish priest Fr. Antonio Zamora Jr. said the skeleton reminds everyone about life and death, but should not be treated like a saint.   

Still, the people of Argao continue the tradition every Holy Week. When La Muerte passes by, the crowd becomes quiet, some cross themselves, others whisper short prayers.   

“To outsiders, she looks scary,” Alcazar said. “But for us, she brings peace. She reminds us to live right.”