Christians mark Good Friday in the UAE and around the world - in pictures

Good Friday is celebrated with processions and prayer

Good Friday Mass at St Francis of Assisi Church in Jebel Ali. Antonie Robertson / The National

Good Friday Mass at St Francis of Assisi Church in Jebel Ali. Antonie Robertson / The National

Good Friday Mass at St Francis of Assisi Church in Jebel Ali. Antonie Robertson / The National

Good Friday Mass at St Francis of Assisi Church in Jebel Ali. Antonie Robertson / The National

Penitents participate in an Holy Week procession in Taxco, Mexico. In traditional processions that last from Thursday evening into the early morning hours of Friday, hooded penitents drag chains and shoulder the thorny bundles through the streets, as some flog themselves with nail-studded whips meant to bring them closer to God. AP Photo

Penitents carry bundles of thorny branches during a Holy Week procession in Taxco, Mexico. In traditional processions that last from Thursday evening into the early morning hours of Friday, hooded penitents drag chains and shoulder the thorny bundles through the streets, as some flog themselves with nail-studded whips meant to bring them closer to God. AP Photo

Christian devotees whip their backs with bamboo strips on a street in San Juan, Pampanga, during the reenactment of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday. Hundreds of barefoot men beat themselves with flails and at least 10 were to be nailed onto crosses throughout Good Friday in a blood-soaked worship display in the Philippines, Asia's Catholic outpost. AFP

Christian devotees pray at the All Saints Cathedral to mark the Good Friday in Prayagraj, India. Christians all over the world attend mock crucifixions and passion plays that mark the day Jesus was crucified, known to Christians as Good Friday. AP Photo

A penitent prepares his mask during Good Friday in San Juan village, San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines. Thousands of Catholic devotees witnessed dozens of men who were nailed to wooden crosses or flogged themselves bloody in annual rituals re-enacting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. EPA

Indian Catholics re-enact the crucifixion of Jesus Christ at Holy Family Church in Secunderabad, the twin city of Hyderabad. Passion plays are a dramatic presentation depicting the suffering and death of Jesus Christ and are an integral part of Good Friday celebrations for Catholics. AFP

Rose petals fall as Tauota Leupolu lifts a cross while playing Jesus Christ during a performance from members from Wesley Mission as they remember the crucifixion of Jesus during Good Friday in Sydney, Australia. AP Photo

Sydney-siders attend a re-enactment of Jesus' crucifixion on Good Friday in Martin Place, Sydney, Australia. EPA

Villagers take snapshots of a penitent during the Catholic procession of 'Los Empalaos' in Valverde de la Vera, southwest Spain. Hundreds of processions take place throughout Spain during the Easter Holy Week. AP Photo

Members of Brotherhood Jesus of Nazareno participate in the procession of the Christs, in Izalco, El Salvador. EPA

Members of Brotherhood Jesus of Nazareno participate in the procession of the Christs, in Izalco, El Salvador. EPA

A man holds the crown that will be placed on a statue of Jesus during preparations for Holy Friday events, inside La Merced church in La Paz, Bolivia. AP Photo

Catholic faithfuls take part in the Procession of Jesus Nazareno de la Humildad during Easter celebrations in Antigua, Guatemala. Reuters

Acehnese Christian devotees hold a Jesus Christ portrait, during a re-enactment of his the crucifixion during Good Friday in Hati Kudus Church, Banda Aceh, Indonesia. EPA

Acehnese Christian devotees pray during Good Friday in Hati Kudus Church, Banda Aceh, Indonesia. EPA

Nuns carry a cross during a silent march celebrating Good Friday in Durban, South Africa. Reuters

Christian faithfuls pray near the Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi, Kenya on Good Friday during the Holy Week of Easter. AP Photo

A worshipper dressed as Jesus Christ walks along the Via Dolorosa (Way of Suffering) in Jerusalem's Old City during the Good Friday procession. AFP

Worshippers kneel to pray in front of a wooden cross along the Via Dolorosa (Way of Suffering) in Jerusalem's Old City during the Good Friday procession. AFP

Residents of the Mendrisio region disguised as biblical personalities perform during the procession of Holy Thursday, representing the Passion of Christ to Golgotha, in Mendrisio, Switzerland. Keystone via AP

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