‘In sickness and in health’, said the couples who got married at this collective wedding event.
A total of 220 couples exchanged their vows and kisses in the central Philippines wearing blue surgical masks due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Lovers and their closest ones braved the virus which has taken away the lives of 2,442 people worldwide while attending a collective ceremony that’s sponsored by the Bacolod city.
The lobby of the city’s hall was filled with white shirts and gowns and dotted with the blue from the surgical masks that were obligatory for everyone.
They were provided by the authorities.
How Did the Mass Ceremony Go?
The collective wedding happened 6 days ago with the authorities of the city releasing two images from the event 2 days after.
According to John Paul Inventor who’s 39 and got married to his seven-year-partner with whom he has two children at this mass wedding event, the place was packed.
Although it felt much different to kiss with the masks on, the participants had to wear them.
They also filled out health declarations and added details about their recent travels up to 14 days ago. This is the generally maximum incubation period for the virus.
Strong Families, a Strong City?
The mayor Evelio Leonardio who officiated the ceremony said that if their families our strong, it means their city is strong too.
Mass weddings are an annual tradition that happens post-Valentine’s Day in this city and the record number of couples attending was 2,013 back in 2013.
South Korea also held massive weddings under masks and more than 30,000 individuals got married at this ceremony this month.
This massive wedding took place in Cheong Shim Peace World Centre in the northeast of Seoul. The participants were given surgical masks and hand sanitizers.
Sources: