COLORFUL FESTIVALS

Nueva Ecija, the largest province in Central Luzon, is a historic province with colorful and remarkable festivals. This province, with 5 cities and 27 municipalities, has diverse cultural traditions that became significant part of Novo Ecijanos culture and tradition.

Here are some of the most famous festivals in Nueva Ecija: Read More: https://trebonasomreb.wordpress.com/2010/07/05/popular-and-notable-nueva-ecija-festivals-socyberty/

Pandawan Festival

Photo from: pandawanfestival.wordpress.com

This festival is held every last week of April in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija. Pantabangan boasts of one of the biggest fish-producing towns in Asia. The word “Pandaw” means assurance of an abundant fresh-water catch each time the festival is celebrated. Festival features street dancing, trade fair and local competition. Read More: http://visitmyphilippines.com

Pastores Festival

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Celebrated in honor of the miraculous patron saint, Nuestra Senora dela Virgen Divina Pastora, the event features colorful, vibrant street performances.
Ragragsak Ti Guimba Festival Guimba, Nueva Ecija Ragragsak which means merry-making is celebrated from February 20, the founding anniversary of Guimba, until March during harvest season. The festival is now on its 12th year (2012). Activities include beauty pageant, street dancing, folk dance remix competition, Paistaran, Sports fest, SMB live band gig, balikbayan/NGO-GO Night, SK Night, ABC Night and grand parade.

Taong Putik

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Date June 24 Venue Aliaga, Nueva Ecija Description Taong Putik originated from a unique practice of the devotees of Saint John the Baptist in Bibiclat, Aliaga, Nueva Ecija. Their bodies are completely coated with mud and adorned with vines, banana leaves or dried coconut leaves to hide their identity and as an act of humility and penance. The ritual starts as the curtain of the early dawn rises on June 24 – as the streets of Bibiclat becomes the stage for the unfolding of the performance of the devotees of the Fiesta ni San Juan Bautista. The Taong Putik (mud men) ask for alms and candles from the people and offering them at the church during the special mass celebrated at 7:00 in the morning. Devotees are also known as “San Juan or nag-sa-San Juan” by the townsfolk of Aliaga because they imitate Saint John the Baptist who hid his role as the chosen one to baptize Jesus Christ by wearing animal skin to deceive those who were after his head. A special mass and procession follow, with the taong putik in attendance. Thereafter, they wash up, symbolizing rebirth, They dress up and partake of the fiesta food and drink, music and merrymaking.

Source: visitmyphilippines.com