Celebrating Fiesta in Buting

    The fiesta of Barangay Buting is a vibrant expression of tradition, family, and community spirit. This annual celebration reflects a unique blend of cultural heritage and communal warmth. From the early morning preparations to the evening processions, the event is a sensory feast of sights, sounds, and flavors that bring people together. It is nostalgic to revisit the festive activities of Barangay Buting from two decades ago, and glimpsing into its rich cultural tapestry.

  

 Every fiesta morning began early, with households bustling with activity by 4 AM. Relatives from nearby provinces, many of whom had grown up in Buting but later moved away, returned to honor their childhood patron saints, San Guillermo de Maleval and the Virgen del Rosario. This yearly gathering transcended religious tradition, becoming a celebration of shared memories and familial bonds.

    In the household, elders welcomed guests and prepared meals for the day. Ingredients were meticulously arranged by the women, while the men managed the outdoor cooking. A makeshift stove, fashioned from three large stones supporting a massive talyasi (wok) over a firewood flame, was used to prepare Filipino delicacies. The air was soon filled with the aroma of garlic, onions, and spices, signaling the start of a day steeped in culinary delight.

    The kitchen transformed into a hub of activity, producing dishes such as kalderetang baka (beef stew in tomato sauce), menudo (pork stew with diced potatoes and carrots), and embutido (Filipino-style meatloaf). Desserts like leche flan and ube halaya were prepared to complete the feast. Breakfast featured freshly baked pandesal paired with coffee or hot chocolate, providing warmth against the cool morning air.

    By 6 AM, the streets of Buting came alive with the sound of a brass band. Musicians and majorettes, dressed in colorful uniforms, paraded through the barangay accompanied by towering higantes (giant papier-mâché figures). This parade, known as the pasayo or paseo, officially commenced the fiesta, drawing residents of all ages to join the celebration.

    The streets thrived with vendors selling balloons, colorful chicks, and hermit crabs. Children participated in games like bunot, competing for prizes such as chicks or ducklings. Traditional toys, including miniature clay pots and papier-mâché horses, added to the festive atmosphere.

    The fiesta of Barangay Buting is more than just an annual celebration—it is a living testament to the town's rich heritage, strong community ties, and deep-rooted faith. For those who grew up in Buting or have family ties to the barangay, the fiesta is a cherished occasion that bridges the past and present, inviting everyone to relive a time of joy, tradition, and togetherness. This article offers a nostalgic glimpse into the vibrant festivities of Barangay Buting from two decades ago, highlighting the cultural and spiritual tapestry that makes this celebration truly unforgettable.

  By 8 AM, residents gathered for the morning fiesta Mass, often celebrated by the bishop. Despite the small church’s limited capacity, attendees filled the patio and nearby streets, eager to partake in the religious ceremony. Following the Mass, the highlight of the day began: the procession of the patron saints’ images. Carried on the shoulders of devotees, these images were paraded through every street, accompanied by brass bands performing traditional kundiman and pandanggo melodies. The music invigorated the crowd, transforming the streets into a lively dance floor.

    By midday, the feast was in full swing. Guests arrived to share in a lavish spread, featuring dishes such as lumpiang shanghai, pininyahang manok (chicken with pineapple), and pancit bihon (stir-fried noodles). In our family, tradition dictated that lunch commenced only after the procession passed the house, sometimes as late as 1:30 PM.

    Meanwhile, the rhythmic beats of drums signaled the arrival of ati-atihan performers. Adorned in flamboyant tribal or comedic costumes, they entertained onlookers with energetic dances, fire-breathing acts, and daring stunts in exchange for donations. These performances added a lively, playful energy to the day’s solemnity.

    As night fell, the streets of Buting glowed with colorful lights and decorations. Banderitas (bunting) swayed above, and intricately designed arches marked the entrances to each street. The solemn evening procession began, with the patron saints’ images illuminated by candlelight. Devotees walked in reverent silence, creating a serene contrast to the day’s liveliness.

    The procession reached its climax at the salubong, where the images of San Guillermo and the Virgen del Rosario were brought together in a symbolic meeting. Accompanied by jubilant brass band music, this moment marked the culmination of the day’s festivities. The crowd erupted into dance, swaying their arms in the distinctive duck-wing motion of the pandanggo.

    The fiesta of Barangay Buting is a profound celebration of faith, family, and community—a tradition that transcends time and continues to resonate in the hearts of those who have experienced it. As the streets quieted and the festivities drew to a close, the memories of shared laughter, delicious feasts, and heartfelt devotion lingered, leaving a lasting imprint on the community. Even as decades pass, the vivid imagery of Barangay Buting's fiesta stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and unity of its people.