The Bullfighting of San Joaquin: Pasungay Festival
Do you know the bullfighting festival Corrida de Toros or Running of the Bulls in Spain? It is a traditional event in Spain where one or more bulls are baited and then killed in a bullring for sport and entertainment. By detractors, it is often called a blood sport, but for the followers of the spectacle, it is a “fine art” and not a sport.
In the Philippines, the Bullfighting of San Joaquin famed to be the Pasungay Festival is the other version of this festivity. The annual horse fights “Pahibag” and bullfight “Pasungay” is one of the most prestigious festivals celebrated in Iloilo.
Who says only Spain has this tradition? San Joaquin boasts of the unique story of this festivity.
Tale of Pasungay:
Historians believe that bullfights were already being held in the town before the Spanish era. It began when two angry bulls were set loose by the cow keepers and fights in the hillside. It is witnessed by the townspeople and captured their interest making it popular amusement in most of the barangay fiestas. Since then, bulls of top breed are raised for the purpose of preparing for the event and it was in 1970s when bull and horse fights gradually acquired the significance they have today.
Festivity of Pasungay:
The Pasungay of San Joaquin is celebrated every 3rd Saturday of January. It is the concluding part of a week-long activity of Bayluhay Festival. What is Bayluhay Festival? This festivity reflects the history of Panay of which the ancestor Aetas bartered to the Datus of Malay in the 13th century. It is a series of rituals done as one journey through many phases of life.
The Pahibag or Pasungay Festival also highlights the celebration that gives honor to the Sto. Niño or the Child Jesus.
The Bullfighting:
The spectacular and thrilling event of the festival is one reason why it is considered as one of the tourism events in the country. Many want to witness the fight between the two raging bulls, set loose by their herdsmen. They are the best breeds of bulls which are brought to the town to take part in the festival.
Stallions or male horses are also featured in this animal fight club. These stallions are also prepared for months before the festivity to ensure the success of the fight. Betting or cockfighting is also common activity in the event.
How to witness this event?
To be part of its one of a kind history, you need to be early at the venue to get a comfortable seat located in the Sports Stadium. Then you can bring cameras and be ready to capture this good stuff.