The Philippines is known for celebrating fiestas in honor of patron saints. It is the Filipinos' way of giving thanks for all the good things in life. Also, it is the most effective way of gathering people and keeping the spirit of the Christian community alive.
Among the different fiestas, the Patron Saint Santo Niño has captured the attention of millions of devotees all over the Philippines. Together with many colorful street dancing festivals scattered all over the archipelago, there is another festival in Paete, Laguna, which leaves tourists with great faith and hope. Marking the end of the long Christmas season, it is a celebration of Christ’s infancy and growth into manhood up to His baptism.
What makes it unique among the Santo Niño celebrations?
Salibanda is a celebration every third Sunday of January in honor of the Santo Niño. Unlike the other Santo Niño celebrations like Sinulog Festival of Cebu City, Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo City, and Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo, Paete’s Salibanda Festival is a unique one where the devotees start the fluvial parade on the near shores of Laguna de Bay, then continues on as a rowdy procession dance snaking up and down the narrow streets. The image of the child Jesus is paraded around the town while participants and spectators alike splash water on one another. People during the parade line the streets or wait at the top of their rooftops and fling coins to the crowd below.
What is the myth of Salibanda?
Legend once tells the story of Salibanda origin. An image of the Santo Niño was found floating about in Laguna de Bay. Paete fisherman tried to lift it out the water, but it was so heavy that the group of men could not load it into their bangka. Then they began to chant and to rock the boat rhythmically. Miraculously, the image became light. It was brought to shore and carried in a procession all over town.
Did you know?
- Salibanda is also a festival of Paete’s fishermen. It features the statue of a standing Holy Child patterned after the celebrated "Santo Niño de Cebu." (The original Santo Niño de Cebu was a gift in 1521 from the mad Queen Juana of Spain, Reina Juana la Loca, grandmother of King Philip II, after whom the Philippines was named).
- Devotees on Sunday processions usually wear red clothes for the reason that they believed it is the color of the dress of Jesus while carrying a big wooden cross.
- Salibanda is similar to San Juan during the feast of Saint John the Baptist.
How to witness this one of a kind event?
Paete is just about 113 kilometers from Manila via Sta. Cruz and approximately 90 kilometers from Manila via Siniloan-Pilillia route.
Going to Paete from Sta. Cruz, you will have to ride a jeepney going to Siniloan. You will be passing the towns of Pagsanjan, Lumban, and Kalayaan before reaching the town of Paete.