#345 Obando Fertility Rites

Both elderly and young women dance the fertility rites in Obando to help the childless fulfill their wish for an offspring

The Obando Fertility Rites are a Filipino dance ritual. Every year during the month of May and to the tune of musical instruments made out of bamboo materials, the men, women and children of Obando, Bulacan, Philippines wear traditional dance costumes to dance on the streets followed by the images of their patron saints San Pascual Baylon (St. Paschal), Santa Clara (St. Clare) and Nuestra Señora de Salambao (Our Lady of Salambao), while singing the song Santa Clara Pinung-Pino.

 The feast days or dance festivals are held for three consecutive days: May 17 for St. Paschal, May 18 for St. Claire and May 19 for the Our Lady of Salambaw. What makes the Obando fiesta unique among Philippine festivals is the dance performed in the streets by the childless women. To fulfil their wish for an offspring the devotees sing the popular Santa Clara Pinong-Pino tune. Chicken eggs are also given or donated to nunneries in exchange for prayers and in hopes of finally conceiving a first child (Source: Wikipedia).

Long live Philippine Festivals!

2 Comments

Filed under Arts and Culture, Places, Traditions

2 responses to “#345 Obando Fertility Rites

  1. jem

    Wanna ask if there is a scheduled of Obando Fertility Rites this month of december? or the only month that is happening is on the month of May only

  2. Pingback: Obando Fertility Rites | Writing Prompts from Life

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