From May17 to 19, the streets of the town of Obando, Bulacan will be, again, filled with dancing males and females asking for a life partner, dancing couples praying for a child and locals giving thanks for a good harvest and wishing for good fortune.
The Obando Fertility Rites is an annual three day festival, celebrated in the Municipality of Obando, Bulacan, where devotees, locals and tourists dance
in the streets with specific intentions, most commonly females praying for fertility.
This festival is dedicated to three Patron Saints, and each one is celebrated throughout the festivities.
- May 17th is dedicated to San Pascual Baylon, the patron saint of fertility, abundance and wealth. His surname, Baylon, means “one who likes dancing”.
- May 18th is dedicated to Sta. Clara, the patron saint for couples who wishes to bear a child, female offsprings in particular. Females offer a dance in the procession rites for Sta. Clara to ask for fertility and to prevent from being barren.
- May 19 is dedicated to Nuestra Senora de Salambao, the patron saint of fishermen and of good harvest.
A festive spirit will engulf the procession, with the streets filled with couples praying for a child, and people asking for a husband or a wife, and some for good fortune. Each procession would be led by the image of the particular Patron being celebrated for the day.
To get there:
Commute:
From Manila to Obando, Bulacan
Take the jeepney to Obando at the LRT Monumento Station. Jeepneys to Obando are in line at the terminal (back of Puregold Monumento)
Photos from: www.obandofertilityrites.com
