Fiesta.
According to the American Heritage Dictionary, Fiesta is defined as a festival or religious holiday celebrated especially in a Saint's day. The word Fiesta came from the Spanish language which in English means feast.
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| Bacolod's Mask Festival |
As we look back on the country's history, the Philippines was conqured by the Spaniards for almost 300 years! {amazing isn't it?} and because of their colonization, the Spaniards influenced "us" [we Filipinos! proud to be pinoy!] with many teaching and among those is Religion, specifically Christianity.
And up to this present era, we Filipinos continued to practice this different Fesivals or also called "Fiesta" to give tribute to the Saint of the specific place.
Philippines has dozens of festivals and most towns have their own in addition to the national ones.
Here’s a list of the ones you should keep a look out:
- Jan 8 - Procession of Black Nazarene, Quiapo
- 3rd Sun of Jan - Ati-atihan, Kalibo Aklan
- 3rd Sun of Jan - Sinulog, Cebu
- 4th Sun of Jan - Dinagyang, Iloilo
- Febuary -Panagbenga (Flower Festival), Baguio
- Feb28-Mar1 - Kaamulan, Bukidnon
- Holy Week - Moriones "mask", Marinduque
- Good Friday - Maleldo/ Cutud Lenten Rites, San Fernando Pampanga
- May 14-15 - Carabao Festival, Pulilan Bulacan
- May 31 - Santacruzan
- 3rd week Aug - Kadayawan, Davao City
- 3rd week Sept -- Penafrancia, Bicol Region.
- 3rd week Oct -- Masskara Festival, Bacolod
- Nov 23 -- Higantes, Angono Rizal
However, in my province, which is none other than the beautiful island of Bohol
We celebrate our Fiesta during the month of May.
Specifically in my town Tubigon, we gather to feast on May 14-15.
The people of Tubigon or also called as Tubigonians practice this tradition annually.
They give thanks to their patron San Isidro Labrador.
Who is this saint? {I know you would ask.}
SAN ISIDRO DE LABRADOR: “A WORKER’S LIFE ANCHORED IN CHRIST.”
Saint Isidore the Labourer was a Spanish tenant.
He is usually depicted carrying shovel, sometimes with a cow.
You might ask, why he became a saint?
To think, he is just a tenant, farmer, and labourer.
According to sources,
St. Isidore never fails to visit the church before going and after working from the fields for prayer.
I just simply love Fiesta
The food and non stop invitations of having to eat in their homes just amaze me.
Not only that there are fun activities that the town had prepared to make the event a big celebration such as dancing, music, and much more entertainment
They said that this celebration is to give thanks for the past year of good crops from hardwork and praying more for a year of blessings may pour down to every one.
And this year 2011 was among the special Fiesta that I attended to, Because I brought my friends over to see how we celebrate our fiesta and everyone had a blast.
Checkout this Video.
Not only we toured around Bohol. They had the chance to experience our fiesta and performed as well. :)
