PADARAW FESTIVAL

               The Padaraw Festival

                           a Union

Every year, the town of Bulan (derived from moon) in Sorsogon, celebrated Padaraw Festival as part of the town's culture and thanksgiving.


Padaraw is derived from a purely Bicol term which is commonly used by local fishermen. The root word “daraw” refers to the groups or schools of fish which converge at a certain single point in the sea.  This daraw becomes a convergence point for the fishermen to make their catch for the day. Padaraw therefore, means unity.


During this festival, people of bulan gather together to show unity and strength behind struggles and trials. The Town Fiesta is celebrating in honor of Bulan’s patron saint,  Our Lady of Immaculate Conception. The festivities is an expression of our coastal community’s gladness and thanksgiving for God’s bounties and gifts. Padaraw also expresses not only the bounties of the sea but of the plains and mountains as well, for which the people of Bulan give thanks to God.

A total of 9 clusters composed of 7-8 barangays each wowed the audience because of their intricate and glitzy costumes made from local materials.

(Photo by EG Hilotin)

Participants are qualified are elementary students, highschool students and even out of school. Hence practicing for months and days made the festival a success.

                    (photo by EG Hilotin)