San Joaquin, Iloilo, as a grand opening
salvo for its Religious Fiesta, thousands of people will descend on this
historic town keen to be spectators of the annual Pasungay---carabao or water
buffalo fight held as part of an ancient tradition celebrated every 3rd
Saturday of January.
This annual action-packed cultural
event at the San Joaquin Sports Stadium situated at the back of the Municipal
Hall draws in local and foreign visitors yearly to witness bulls pitted against
each other.
Huge crowd watch in awe and cheers as
breeders lead their mighty and robust carabaos into the fight arena. The first fight starts as the pair, itching
to fight, attack, locking each other’s horns and trying to push each other
until one gives up and flee from the pursuing winner. Another pair takes their
place. A horse fight or Pahibag is an added attraction as horses kick and bite
each other to submission in front of a mare, or female horse, displayed
purposely to trigger the fight.
The fight normally goes on for less
than half an hour until one or the other collapses or is simply too exhausted
to continue.
The participating animals were from
cattle breeders mostly from the upland barangays, renowned for rearing tough
bulls responsible for most wins in the history of this cultural celebration.
Although less violent than its foreign counterpart, the animals in the Pasungay
are not killed or seriously injured.
Whether you like it or not - agree with
it or despise it - bullfighting exists in San Joaquin and is an important part
of their history and culture. The town has always been famous for its Pasungay.
There is no other place in the region where bullfighting is observed. It is the
most common thing associated with San Joaquin, and rightly so for its origins
date back to early 1900s. It is only during the religious fiesta celebration of
the town that the general interest for Pasungay and Pahibag is aroused. During
the next days, a huge festival happens of this town. Locals and visitors mix in
the town streets for the annual Bayluhay Festival.
San Joaquin is a Second Class
municipality, the last town south of the province. It is 85- kilometer away or
an hour and twenty minute drive from the city. With a total land area of 23,135
hectares, the town is subdivided into 85 barangays.
To get to San Joaquin, visitors can
take a jeepney at the Don Benito Q. Acap Sr. Southern Iloilo Perimeter Boundary
Terminal in Barangay Mohon, Oton, Iloilo or at the market terminal along Mabini
St. in Iloilo City. Metered taxis are also available. For more information,
please contact Erlyn Alunan – Municipal Tourism Officer at 09085129189.
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