The Carabao Festival

Begining May 14th, the people of Pulilan in Bulacan Province, San Isidro in Nueva Ecija Province, and
Angono in Rizal Province celebrate for two days.

On the first day, farmers pay tribute to water buffalos, known as carabaos. These animals are very
important for farmers because they help till the land. Farmers brush their carabaos' skin until it is sleek
and shiny. Then the carabaos are decorated with ribbons and attached to carts. In the afternoon, farmers
lead their carabaos to the church square to be part of the procession. At the church, the carabaos kneel for
their blessings. On the second day, the carabaos compete in a friendly race.

There is a legend about the origin of this festival. San Isidro was a labourer or
"labrador." He worked on a farm. His boss could not understand San Isidro's efficiency
despite often coming late to work. He decided to solve the mystery. He found out that
fields had been ploughed by an angel. The boss then came to San Isidro and knelt
before him.

This festival is actually of Hispanic origin as Spaniards used to rule the Philippines
between 1565 and 1821. Locals included carabao in the feast of San Isidro Labrador as
this animal is very important in their lives as farmers.

On the first day of the festival farmers prepare their carabaos to look beautiful for the big
parade. Their skin is cleaned and horns rubbed with oil. Carabaos are decorated with
ribbons. Some farmers even paint their carabaos. More than 20 carts participate in the
parade.

In front of the church carabaos kneel to be blessed. They even move on their knees like
penitents. A priest blesses each carabao. On the second day there is a race of carabaos pulling
bamboo carriages over a 400 metres long track. Organizers of the festival award the strongest
and the most beautiful carabao. The festivals also includes some other attractions like
numerous marching bands, majorettes and folk music performances.

Ani-anihan Festival is the feast of Saint John the Baptist which falls on every June 24th every
year. In this feast you can experience their agricultural and trade fairs, beauty pageant, and a street
dancing parade showcasing the planting and harvest phases of provincial life, which located in
Northwestern part of Cebu island in Tabuelan Cebu.