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A compilation of historical information on Obando
Josephine C. Sanchez, March 2012
Obando Patron Saints are brought to homes in the San Francisco Bay Area
for the 9-Saturday novena before the fiesta celebration
The Obandenian Association of Northern California holds a 9-Saturday novena that culminates in the celebration of Obando Fiesta with the traditional Sayaw sa Obando. This compilation about the history of Obando is a refresher course for most of us, and for some, who have been in the Unites States for decades, may be a delightful surprise. Obando has a rich, colorful history with traditions dating back to pre-colonial times, faithfully carried on to the present and always a source of vibrant inspiration to Obandenyos. We, Obandenyos (or Obandenians) in the United States, travel back home to Obando in our mind and heart especially during this time of year to re-capture the spirit of the traditions of our ancestors.
Obando is located in the Philippine province of Bulacan and it is famous for the Catholic tradition of paying homage to its three patron saints: Saint Clare of Assisi (Santa Clara), Saint Paschal Baylon (San Pascual Baylon) and Nuestra Senora de Salambao.1 The three patron saints were introduced by Spanish Franciscan missionaries to the Filipino natives around 17th century as the focus of their worship and rituals. The most significant among these rituals is the kasilonawan, described in one of these series, which evolved into the fandanggo for St. Clare or the 'fertility dance' as coined by devotees. The emphasis on the role of women as childbearers became the central theme of the development of culture in this town, which later broadened into the concept of the family as the basic, sacred unit of the community, as well as abundance in the basic needs of life through toiling, supplication and communal sharing.
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1This is the traditional name. The title Nuestra Senora Immaculada Concepcion de Salambao was conferred in 2007 after San Pascual Baylon Parish Church (Obando Church) was proclaimed Diocesan Shrine of the Nuestra Senora de Salambao in December 2006 by the Archdiocese of Bulacan.
2. St. Clare as Obando's First Patron Saint
3. Life of St. Clare of Assisi
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