To honor the seven sorrows of the Blessed Virgin of Turumba, the people of Pakil, Laguna celebrate the Turumba Festival seven times year during the months of April and May.
As the longest religious festival in the Philippines, Turumba Festival’s main highlight is the dancing procession with the image of Nuestra Senora delos Dolores de Turumba.
During the late 18th century, a group of fishermen found a framed oil painting of Our Lady of Sorrows floating in a lagoon. As they were transporting the holy image to the church, they felt it become heavier and heavier, until it became so incredibly heavy that it was impossible to move.
The painting allowed the people to transport it only when a priest promised an annual celebration in honor of the image. On the way to the church, a group of people started to honor the Blessed Virgin of Mary by singing and dancing in great joy, also called Turumba which literally translates to “natumba sa kagalakan” (trembled in great joy).
From SLEX, take Calamba exit and then head straight to Calamba. Turn right at Calamba crossing and follow this road where you’ll pass by Los Banos, Bay, Victoria, Pila, Sta Cruz, Pagsanjan, Lumban, Kalayaan, Paete before reaching Pakil.
Pakil, Laguna is a 3-hour drive from Metro Manila.
Ride an HM Transport bus, with terminals along Cubao near Victory Liner, going to Sta. Cruz/Calamba (fare: P130.50) or Green Star Express with terminals along Buendia (fare: P123.00) then get dropped off at the terminal in Pagsanjan.
After alighting the bus, board a jeepney bound for Siniloan, then alight in front of Pakil Church.
photo via Instagram,@c3leine
The exact schedule of each celebration (called “lupi”) varies, according to the Christian religious calendar:
Lupi (to fold) got its name from the act of “folding” a novena booklet to signify the closing of the novena. After the novena is done, a dancing procession follows.
During the Turumba Festival, religious images are adorned with flowers.
photo via Instagram, @merlynaaaaaaaa
As you’re watching the dancing procession take place, you can also buy street food from the local vendors. Available selections are bibingkang Pakil, suman and espasol.
If you’re planning to explore more of Pakil, here are some spots you shouldn’t miss.
photo via Instagram, @dacling25
And if you ave more time you can check out Mount Ping-as. Days before the Turumba Festival, you can hike to the top of Mount Ping-as to strengthen your faith.
Another activity you can do is to spend the night at Turumba Spring Resort and enjoy the refreshing water that’s free-flowing and coming down from the mountains.
Headed to the Turumba Festival? Make sure you book your hotel with Traveloka!
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