The water buffalo, known locally as the carabao or kalabaw, is the Philippines’ national animal. These mighty animals are crucial to every farmer’s livelihood and are a powerful symbol of the Filipino people’s perseverance and hard work. So it’s no surprise that the citizens of Pulilan, Bulacan want to honour it through entertaining events like a street dancing competition and a parade. People even decorate their carabaos with multi-coloured fruits, ribbons, and body paint and pay tribute by brushing their skin until it is sleek and shiny. The highlight of the fiesta is the kneeling of the carabaos with its two front legs in front of a church.

Its story comes from San Isidro Labrador or St Isidore the Laborer, a farm worker and their patron saint, who worked tirelessly to tend to his farm. He was so good at his job that his landlord was amazed by his performance. Curious about how St Isidore did this, he investigated and found him praying while an angel ploughed the fields for him. In the Filipino adaptation of his story, the saint is depicted with a carabao.

While the festival is most famously celebrated in Pulilan, Bulacan, other provinces like Rizal and Nueva Ecija, to name a few, honour the carabao as well. When in Pulilan, make a side trip to the Pulilan Butterfly Haven. A quiet paradise for nature lovers that features a scenic view of a verdant garden rich with different species of orchids and butterflies.

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A festival of thankfulness after a bountiful harvest, the word pahiyas means ‘jewellery’. People meticulously decorate their homes with fresh fruits, vegetables, and kiping—a Filipino leaf-shaped wafer made of glutinous rice—to honour San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers.

Though meant to be a modest celebration, a group of artists in 1963 reinvented the event with an exhibit of crafts, traditional folk dances, artwork, and photographs from all over the Philippines. The people who celebrate the festival pair their home decorations with a bright and colourful procession.

Starting as a gift-giving rite by the people of Lucban to the missionaries who brought Catholicism to Quezon in 1583, the festival became a tradition for everyone. While you’re in Lucban, make sure to try the Lucban longganisa. A local delicacy that has an iconic garlicky and sour taste.

People who come to Obando during this time of year usually visit for one thing—the fertility dance. A form of prayer for couples hoping to conceive a child, this feast honours three saints for three days. May 17 for St Paschal for couples who want a male child, May 18 for St Claire for couples who desire a female child, and May 19 for Our Lady of Salambaw, the patroness of fishermen. Obando has since been known as the ‘‘town of three saints’’.

How this festival came to be is uncertain. Legend has it that three fishermen named Juan, Julian, and Diego de la Cruz caught a statuette of the Virgin Mary in their salambaw (large fishing net). They then journeyed to Navotas, but their boat grew heavy and couldn’t move. They tried to bring the image to Obando, and their vessel lightened. It was believed to be a message from the Virgin Mary that she wanted to be enshrined in the Obando Church. Today, she is venerated there as the local patroness of fishing and good harvest.

Whether seeking to have children through the fertility dance or admire others partaking in the festivities, it is a spectacle to behold. In Bulacan, their sweet delicacies are not to be missed. Yema and pastillas are some of the favourites you can find anywhere around the town.

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Held to commemorate Queen Helena of Constantinople and her son, Constantine the Great finding the True Cross—the cross on which Jesus was crucified. If legend was to be believed, an ill Queen Helena found three crosses and touched each. Upon touching the third cross, she was instantly revitalised. 

A religious-historical beauty pageant in honour of the Holy Cross, the Santacruzan is the pinnacle of Flores de Mayo. Parades fill the streets, marching to reenact the search for the Holy Cross in Jerusalem after its discovery. During the procession, chosen young women accompanied by their escorts walk down the streets. A large float carrying a statue of the Virgin Mary follows them while locals are invited to participate by lighting candles and singing hymns of praise.

The Santacruzan is the most anticipated part of Flores de Mayo and is a longstanding tradition of the Filipino people. It is celebrated in many cities, towns, and small communities throughout the Philippines, with Malolos, Bulacan being the most popular.

While you’re there, check out the famous Barasoain Church. Built in 1888, it is one of the most important historical landmarks in the province, establishing the First Philippine Republic.

The pintados, or painted warriors, were the native Filipinos that Spanish colonisers first encountered in the 16th century. The Pintados Festival is a celebration commemorating Tacloban’s rich history. Today, it coincides with the Kasadyaan Festival, which portrays Leyte’s history and honours Señor Santo Niño through unique and colourful merriment. 

There are multiple events throughout the celebration. Most popular are the Ritual Dance Presentation of Pintados and the Pagrayhay for the Grand Parade. Nearby municipalities from the province also participate and gather in Tacloban City to join for a day of pride and solidarity.

When you find yourself dancing with the locals in Tacloban, you’ll want to try their most renowned delicacy, Binagol. It’s made of sticky rice combined with taro pudding and almonds and contains a surprise in the middle, a blend of coconut and kalamay.

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