Join and Enjoy the “Apung Iru” Fluvial Festival in Pampanga

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“APUNG IRU” FLUVIAL FESTIVAL

Apung Iru stands for the holy image of St. Peter, which is brought to its shrine in a fluvial procession every June 20-28 in Apalit, Pampanga. Carried in its “pagoda” amidst prayers, religious songs and (strangely enough) water-fighting revelers, the image is floated down the Pampanga River. It’s another unique custom in this tradition-filled country.

Photo from: seasite.niu.edu

A colorful fluvial procession of the venerated image of St. Peter, fondly called “Apung Iru” by the locals. From its sanctuary at Capalangan, the image is borne by a pagoda before it is brought to the parish church in Apalit where it will stay until June 28. The image of Apung Iru is brought back to its permanent shrine at Capalangan in another colorful fluvial procession via the same river routes.

Photo from: kapehanonline.wordpress.com

Coincides with the feast of St. Peter and Paul. It is highlighted with a fluvial parade down the Pampanga River. Folk Catholicism is manifested in this religious festival marked by pompous fluvial processions in honor of St. Peter. Other special events include an agro-industrial trade fair, a beauty pageant and a cultural show.

Photo from: artpetronsite.multiply.com

Celebrated every June 20-28 of every year, the feast of St. Peter is observed with a fluvial parade with gaily-decorated motorboats and colorful bancas roving up and down the Pampanga River. The image of St. Peter, called Apung Iru by the locals, is carried through town to the river, where a lavish decorated pagoda mounted on a barge awaits. The image is placed on the pagoda and devotees dance and pray before it. The 8-day celebration honoring Apung Iru starts on June 20 and culminates on June 28 when the image is brought back to its shrine at Capalanagan.

Photo from: visitmyphilippines.com