What type of dance is Sayaw sa Obando?

“Sayaw sa Obando” was a celebration. The “Fertility Dance of Obando” takes its roots from a pagan celebration that was later on adapted by the Catholic faith honoring Santa Clara, San Pascual, and the Nuestra Senyora de Salambao. The celebration kicks off on the 17th of May and runs until the 19th.

What is the meaning of Obando fertility rite?

The Obando Fertility Rites are a dance ritual, initially an Anitist ritual, and later also became a Catholic festival celebrated every May in Obando, Bulacan, Philippines.

Why do married couples dance in Obando?

The fertility dance supposedly originated from a pre-Christian celebration called kasilonawan. It was considered Paganistic in belief as women would offer dances to the deities of nature, and when Spaniards introduced Catholicism in the country, Franciscan missionaries introduced the three saints to replace Pagan gods.

What happens during the Obando festival?

This festival involves the different dance rituals held for three consecutive days honoring three patron saints: May 17 for St. Paschal (for couples who want a male child), May 18 for St. Claire (for couples who want a female child) and May 19 for the Our Lady of Salambaw (patroness of fishermen).

Who are involved in Obando dance?

The Obando Feast of the Three Saints and Fertility Dance is held every May 17-19 at San Pascual Baylon Church in Obando, Bulacan which is 18km to 23km away from Manila City. The three patron saints are Saint Clare of Asisi, Saint Paschal Baylon and Our Lady of Salambao.

What makes Obando Fertility Rites festival unique?

But in the town of Obando, Bulacan, the celebration of the fiesta has been made famous far and wide because of one unusual element – a fertility dance that serves as a panata, or a form of a promise by couples whose longing for a child had been fulfilled, and a form of supplication for the blessing of a child for those …

Who are the patron saint of the Obando Fertility Rites Festival?

St. Clare is the oldest patron saint of Obando and the first to be enshrined at the chapel built by the Franciscan missionaries in Catanghalan, the old name of Obando town.

Who are the three saints from Obando, Bulacan?

In Obando, Bulacan every May 17 to 19 fertility dances are performed in the parish church and then on the streets of the town. The three day fiesta is celebrated in honor of San Pascual de Baylon, Sta. Clara and Nuestra Senora de Salambao (Our Lady of Salambao). Prayers are offered to the three saints – Sta.

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