BANTAYAN ISLAND, Cebu – It may be an exaggeration when you hear townsfolk say that this island sinks every Holy Week, until you see the number of local and foreign tourists that come here during Holy Week.

The island, which is home to three municipalities, offers a lot for visitors looking for a summer getaway.

The town of Sta. Fe boasts of well-established public and private resorts. It is dubbed the “Little Boracay” of Cebu, with its powdery white sand and pristine waters.

On Bantayan municipality, there is folk belief that eating meat is allowed even during the Holy Week, offering a break from abstinence for some.

"Remember that it's not a fiesta here every Holy Week. We want to maintain the solemnity of the commemoration and celebration," said parish priest Joy Danao.

Pope Leo XII granted a special dispensation to the parish of Bantayan in 1840, allowing islanders to eat meat during the days of fasting and obligation. However, people had to perform corresponding acts of penance and works of charity.

There are also families who traditionally sponsor their own Carozzas (carriages) which are used in processions where Stations of the Cross are portrayed in life-size images.

In 2013, super typhoon Yolanda struck the island, testing the faith of residents.

"They were not replaced, but we had to repaint them," said George Pestaño-Aloba, who is in-charge of one of the carrozas.

"The images are symbols of our faith. Every time we see them, we are reminded of Jesus' Passion and death," Danao explained.

Bantayan Island is just a 1-hour barge trip from the Hagnaya port in Northern Cebu. Fare is usually at P170.00 per passenger.