Sulay Basya Festival – Dousing with Water

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SULAY BASYA FESTIVAL

Photo from: http://mybeautifuliloilo.blogspot.com/2016/06/sara-celebrates-san-juan-with-masskara.html

People who go to the town of Sara, Iloilo on June 24 cannot stay dry as the whole community of devotees perform their annual rites by dousing one another with water or sprinkle water on guests to honour their Patron Saint, John the Baptist.

The Sulay-Basya Festival now on its 14th year highlights the annual rites with series of special events from June 19-24, 2016.

Both coined from Hiligaynon words, “Sulay” is a term for “to get wet” and “Basya” is “to douse with water,” the festival, celebrated as Masskara sa Sulay Basya features performing groups in masks. Read More: http://mybeautifuliloilo.blogspot.com/2016/06/sara-celebrates-san-juan-with-masskara.html

Photo from: http://mybeautifuliloilo.blogspot.com/2016/06/sara-celebrates-san-juan-with-masskara.html

Masks are the order of the day at the tribal dance competition as brightly-costumed performers dance to the samba beat, considered as the dance of celebration and joy with lively and rhythmical movements. The dancer’s painted masks and elaborate costumes, all vying for prizes in judging that will be held in the morning.

Our local custom is the most appropriate way of the feast day of St. John the Baptist, the precursor who prepared people for the coming of Jesus Christ. St. John baptized the people with water. To remind one of one’s baptism, people in the community use a tabo or water dipper, others have water guns to douse everyone with water. By allowing oneself to get wet, devotees hope to receive blessings and the community have bountiful harvest in their farming. Read More: http://www.iloilometropolitantimes.com/sara-celebrates-san-juan-with-masskara-sa-sulay-basya-festival/

Photo from: http://mybeautifuliloilo.blogspot.com/2016/06/sara-celebrates-san-juan-with-masskara.html

The Sulay Basya is a festival in honor of Saint John the Baptist and the baptism of Jesus, which started Jesus’ evangelical mission. This festival is celebrated with water, the key element in baptisms.

Sulay is the Hiligaynon word for getting wet usually under the rain or any gushing water, and Basya means “to intentionally douse water on someone or group of people. Read More: http://www.iloilo.net.ph/events/sulay-basya/