Tips for a Happier Pulilan Kneeling Carabao Festival
Carabaos, or water buffalos, are known to Filipinos as the country’s workhorse. They toil day in and day out, much like the farmers they work with. The people of Pulilan, Bulacan have taken this to heart and have a festival in the carabao’s name: the Kneeling Carabao Festival.
KNEELING TO BE BLESSED. These carabaos kneel to be blessed by the priest in hopes of a good harvest. Photo courtesy of Judgefloro via Wikimedia Commons.
It’s popular with tourists, since a kneeling water buffalo is a site you will rarely witness. The festival always happens on May 14 and 15, with hundreds of animals (mostly carabaos) honoring San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers.
Here are a few tips for you to make the most out of the festival:
1. Make sure you have your camera with you. How often do you get to see carabaos kneel? It’s such a rare site, even though it happens every year.
2. Make the festival a part of your summer vacation plans. Central Luzon is known not just for being the Rice Granary of the Philippines, but for provinces such as Aurora, Bataan, and Pampanga. Vacation plans to these provinces usually last a day or two, but you can make it a week with a visit to Bulacan.
3. Drop by Barasoain Church. Apart from the festival, Bulacan is also known for the Barasoain Church. It is one of the country’s oldest churches and is considered the Cradle of Democracy in the East. It is also where the first Philippine Republic was established.
4. Come early. If you’re looking to take a special trip to Pulilan just for the festival, it’s best to be in town early. No hotels are needed for this trip since the procession is only held for one day, and is easily the highlight of the event.
Know of any other tips you want to share or know about the festival? Leave us a comment below.
Source: Travel to the Philippines, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish – Barasoain Church, Philstar.com, Philippines Travel Hub, www.seasite.niu.edu, Provincial Govermnent of Bulacan Online
