Posts Tagged ‘Philippine festivals’

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

Planning a trip? Those who love to travel know the essence of all travel is about you and your enjoyment. Travelers know that the destination is a major part in planning a trip, experiencing and delving deeper into unfamiliar places, people and culture is paramount.

Expand your horizons and set your sight to the Philippines, an off the beaten path travel site! An undiscovered paradise made of thousands of islands and white sand beaches all around! A tiny dot in the map of the world, and yet a haven for travelers, backpackers, retirees and even passersby.

It offers awesome tourist attractions, magnificent beaches, hot spring resorts, colorful festivals, hundreds of scenic spots and world-class hotels and facilities. Not to mention the tropical climate, the affordable prices as well as the friendly and hospitable, English-speaking people! You will be glad you came, and we’re sure, you WILL come back for more FUN in the Philippines!

“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