Do Bantayanons’ celebrate fiesta on Holy Week?
No. Holy Week in Bantayan Island is not a fiesta.
Bantayan’s fiesta is held every June 29th in honor of Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church only. In fact, Semana Santa observance is one of Bantayan’s unique religious celebration where there are activities like Station of the Cross—portrayed in life-size figures of Carrozas, Visita Iglesia, Santo Entierro—holy burial and other church activities to keep the tradition.
Some people asked why Bantayanons‘ eat meat during Holy Week—well, not all though eat meat specially on a Good Friday. There are many who still continue to abstain from eating meat despite Indult—allowing people to eat meat on days of strict fasting and abstinence. To emphasize the idea about Bantayanons‘ eating meat on a Good Friday, there are some families or carroza-owners whose tenants are fishermen or farmers dependent on simple fishing and farming as their daily sustenance. They could not go out to the sea or to the farm during Holy Week because they will take part the activities of the church. Also, considering that meat is cheaper than fish. Moreover, there are also modern families who continuously practice the Semana Santa observance.
The Indult may have issued from with the people of Bantayan but those who follow it must also see abstinence as recompense for doing so. In addition, Indult was expired long time ago (Indult for Bantayan Island granted sometime in year 1824 and was effective year 1843) and eating meat on Good Friday practiced with Indult; such prohibition becomes a normal thing.
In case, you happened to visit Bantayan Island, don’t forget to visit the museum where you will know the granting story of the Papal Indult to Bantayanons’.
47 Photos of Semana Santa Observance In Bantayan Island & Not A Fiesta
Station of the Cross – Carrozas
St. Peter and Paul Parish Church
Random Photos: Photowalk|Bantayan Island Plaza Area
Photos in Bantayan Island Wet Market
During Holy Week in Bantayan Island, tourists increasingly drawn in the island because of the manner that Semana Santa is celebrated. It helps increase the economy of the island yet, it threatens the traditional practices of Semana Santa. Hoping that tourists are responsible and respectful enough when visiting Bantayan Island.
PLEASE CONSIDER
*Be like locals
*Be responsible
*Be considerate
*Respect the island
*Bring your own sh*t
*Enjoy
Laagsparkles 