Holy Week in Haiti and Dominican Republic - in pictures

A child carries a wooden cross in front of the earthquake-damaged presidential palace in Port-au-Prince during the Holy Week procession on Good Friday Photograph: Ramon Espinosa/AP

People take part in a re-enactment of Jesus's crucifixion during Holy Week celebrations Photograph: Ramon Espinosa/AP

An actor representing Jesus lies on a wooden cross during the re-enactment of the crucifixion Photograph: Ramon Espinosa/AP

A woman cries as she prays during the Holy Week procession Photograph: Dieu Nalio Chery/AP

People bring pictures of their loved ones to the procession as a way to pray they may have good luck, health or employment Photograph: Dieu Nalio Chery/AP

People sing and dance before a traditional wrestling match known as "lutte sauvage" in French and Creole, or "savage fight", in Port-au-Prince Photograph: Ramon Espinosa/AP

The fights are held during Holy Week because most people are on holiday Photograph: Ramon Espinosa/AP

Anyone at the event can fight, where competitors do not wear protection and use only their bodies to compete. The only rules are not to injure the rival's eyes, mouth or crotch area Photograph: Ramon Espinosa/AP

People pray to win bets as many of the spectators gamble on the outcome of the contest Photograph: Ramon Espinosa/AP

Frankel Filesmon, 19, celebrates his victory Photograph: Ramon Espinosa/AP

In the neighbouring Dominican Republic people take part in a ritual dance during a gaga ceremony, in a village originally created by workers around sugar plantations Photograph: Reuters

People stand at a mini supermarket dressed for a gaga ceremony in Mata Mamon, near Santo Domingo Photograph: Ricardo Rojas/Reuters

Musicians perform at the ceremony Photograph: Orlando Barr a/EPA

A woman participates in the ritual Photograph: Erika Santelices/AFP/Getty Images

Haitians participate in a ritual during the voodoo festival at Souvenance village, northern Port-Au-Prince Photograph: Andres Martinez Casares/Corbis

Hundreds of voodoo followers travel to Souvenance over Easter weekend to show their devotion to the spirits Photograph: Ramon Espinosa/AP

Voodoo was brought to Haiti by slaves from west Africa and is one of Haiti's three recognised religions Photograph: Ramon Espinosa/AP

A Voodoo believer sits on the mud during the ceremony in Souvenance, Haiti Photograph: Ramon Espinosa/AP

Believers swim in a sacred pool Photograph: Ramon Espinosa/AP

A woman participates in a ritual during the voodoo festival which takes place over the Easter weekend Photograph: Andres Martinez Casares/Corbis

Voodoo believers gather after the ceremony Photograph: Ramon Espinosa/AP