The Carabao Festival in Bulacan – Where Carabaos Kneel in Front of the Church

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CARABAO FESTIVAL

Photo from: pinoyphotography.org

Beginning May 14th, the people of Pulilan in Bulacan Province, San Isidro in Nueva Ecija Province, and Angono in Rizal Province celebrate for two days. On the first day, farmers pay tribute to water buffalos, known as carabaos. These animals are very important for farmers because they help till the land. Farmers brush their carabaos’ skin until it is sleek and shiny. Then the carabaos are decorated with ribbons and attached to carts. In the afternoon, farmers lead their carabaos to the church square to be part of the procession. At the church, the carabaos kneel for their blessings. On the second day, the carabaos compete in a friendly race. – Read More: seasite.niu.edu

Photo from: my_sarisari_store.typepad.com

Hundreds of work animals, mostly carabaos, are led on a parade in the streets of the town every 14th and 15th of May to honor its patron saint. San Isidro Labrador. The carabaos decorated with garland and shaved for the occasion, genuflect or kneel in front of the church. On the 14th of May, farmers all over the town pay tribute to their patron saint. San Isidro Labrador, in glorious thanksgiving for a year-long bountiful harvest. The celebration is manifested by hanging all sorts of fruits, candies, food crops and multi-colored kipings on bamboo poles. The affairs is highlighted by kneeling of carabaos in front of the church and the symbolic floats. Every year, a sea of frolicking humanity comes in droves to witness this showcasing innate talents of the carabaos. – Read More: flickr.com/photos/diamonds_in_the_soles_of_her_shoes/3541076977/

Photo from: pinoyphotography.org

Texts and photos below taken from: decktheholidays.blogspot.com

The Pulilan Carabao Festival was created in honor of the carabao, the farmer’s companion in the fields, and his helping hand during plantation and harvest. But the main reason why it was created was to honor their patron saint, San Isidro de labrador.

Before the festival, the populace will have a novena for 9 days and for 24 days they will have a procession of the patron saint around the different towns of Bulacan. After said activities the festivities then commence.

The day before the festival four drum and lyre bands with majorette dancers line up in front of the parish and perform their own set of moves and musical tunes as the crowd watches. At the day of the festival (May 14) the streets are flocked with carabaos, dancers, musicians, and floats resembling the farmer’s beast of burden. Dancers are adorned with colorful costumes and dance in fluid motion.

What makes the festival memorable is the carabaos that kneel whenever they pass by the church, some of them walk while on their knees, a sign of homage to San Isidro Labrador, the laborer who finishes his job even when he arrives late.