What makes Obando stand OUT!

Every middle of the month of May, the town of Obando captures the attention of every people not just in the country but also around the globe. May 17, 18 and 19 - these are the days to remember for these are the days when the famous Obando Fertility Festival takes place. This festival has been widely known for it has been believed that the three patron saints of the town bestow miracles to those who participate in the ritual. Each day is dedicated for each of the three patron saints. The first day is for St. Paschal; the second is for St. Claire; and the last day is for the Nuestra Señora de Salambao.


Each of the three patron saints are said to grant wishes that are unique to them. For example, St. Paschal is for those praying for a good mate, or for couples hoping to have a son. St. Claire, on the other hand, is the patron saint of fertility for women wanting to get pregnant, and specifically, pregnant with female babies. Nuestra Señora de Salambao, or Our Lady of the Salambao, is the patron saint of fishermen and good harvest. 

According to history, the Fertility Rites in Obando can be traced back in the pre-colonial era. That means that even before the Spaniards came, we already have this unique tradition. In the pre-Spanish days, barren women were considered as the lowest members of society. They were treated with scorn. Natives held a nine-day ceremony known as Kasilonawan, a devotion to the god, Linga. Community members would pray for couples to be blessed with children as well as wealth and abundance of all individuals. When Spanish missionaries arrived, they introduced the three saints to replace the pagan gods the Filipinos worshiped.


Obando residents continued to perform the dance through the Spanish revolution and into the 21st century. There was, however, a long period after World War II when the parish priest and local bishop banned the dance, stating that its origins were pagan. This remained effect until a new bishop came into service in 1972. Since then, the dance has been performed every year with citizens forming their own groups.


One reason for this festivity's fame must be the fact that it was mentioned by our national hero, Jose Rizal, in his Spanish novel, the Noli Me Tangere. In the novel the mother of Maria Clara was barren, so she with her husband went to the Town Fiesta of Obando to dance the fertility dance. 


Obando's Fertility Festival can be considered as one of the unique traditions our country has. It was able to retain its esssence from the pre-colonial times, despite the fact that the Spaniards tried to change the concept. Also, what makes this tradition unique is that it was able to strengthen the faith and devotion of the people.

Reference : http://www.ehow.com/about_6582703_history-obando-folk-dance.htm