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March/April (Lenten and Easter Season) ..... “Hugas kang Kahig” (washing of the feet), Estacion kang
Krus sa Capilla (Stations of the Cross), Santo Intiero, Hesus de Pasensya,
Sabado Santo (Holy Saturday) with the weeping Virgin and which all culminates
at Domingo de Gloria (Easter Sunday) with the “yukbo,” (Jesus and Mary
meeting) “anghel-anghel,” the unveiling of the weeping Virgin and the Solemn
Mass of the Lord’s Resurrection/Easter Sunday. Month of May ..... During the month of
Our Lady, little girls come to church, dressed in white every afternoon to
shower her with songs and flowers.
Flores de Mayo and Santacruzan
(festival of flowers) culminate this event. May 22 ...... Town Fiesta of Igbaras
in honor of Sta. Rita de Cascia. Almost every family prepare an abundance of
food for everyone, whether they are relatives or just passersby who visit
them during the fiesta. There is a “binayli” (dance) in the town plaza, often
days before the feastday itself. We also have the “Miss-miss” (Fiesta Queen
Contest), proceeds of which is used to either help the church or the town.
Bottom line, whoever has most money wins. Other celebrations and
presentations are held in anticipation of the fiesta. “Lechon Baboy” (preparation
of the pig to your left) is often the main course. How would you like to visit
Igbaras during this time of the year? June 24 ......
Patronal
Fiesta of Igbaras in honor of St. John the Baptist. In the spirit of St.
John’s (cousin of Jesus) baptism of our Lord, Igbarasnons commemorate this
feastday getting wet. If you are ready to go to work or school, “cool lang
pare kon mabasa ikaw kang tubig.” Townsfolk are used to splashing water on
people whether they are ready to go to work or just hanging out in one’s
“garita” (waiting shed). December 24 ..... Christmas
Celebration/Program at the Public Plaza followed by the Midnight Mass (with
the much anticipated “panaw kang bituon”) afterwards a gathering at the Plaza
with everyone’s former classmates and disco “hasta sa aga” (‘till day break).
The New Year is welcomed with fireworks and with scattered
gatherings/celebrations all throughout the town. |
