Obando Fertility Rites is believed to have started centuries ago. It was a ritual known as “Kasilonawan”, a ritual started by pagans which was led by priestess, consists of mainly merry making, singing and dancing to their god that could help prevent women from being barren. When Christianism entered the Philippines, this ritual evolved and different stories were told.

Now, Obando has three patron saints: St. Claire (known as the patron saint of good weather), St. Paschal Baylon (believed to be the patron saint of childless couples) and Our Lady of Salambao (known as the patron saint of fishermen).

The Obando Fertility rites are always celebrated on the 17^th, 18^th and 19^th of May. Participants are organized groups of women that have testimonials and success stories to tell about their experiences after participating in this procession.

The procession is open to everyone who wants to join. Couples who want to have children, single men and women who wants to find their partner, a dance for good health, and prosperity can also be the reason for the procession.

People offer eggs in the church to pray for a good weather before the procession. Men and women, old and young alike join this procession that starts from the church that goes along the streets of obando.

A specific dance step is done by the older generation, with their hips moving exaggeratedly and wildly as their hands gestures to one massaging the womb. Some wear traditional baro’t saya as they dance along the procession.

Either way, it is the devotion, culture and faith of the people that keeps this tradition going on from generation to generation.

Devotees Testimonials:

"32 na ako noong ako ay nag-asawa. Tatlong taon na kaming kasal ngunit hindi pa kami nagkakaanak. May isang taga-obando na nagpayo sa aking asawa na magsimba sa obando upang humiling ng anak. Nagkataong nag deliver sya ng fertilizer sa isang fishpond operator sa obando, kaya't naisipan niyang magsimba. nagkataong pista pala ni Sta. Clara noong araw na iyon. Pagdating niya sa bahay kahit gabi na inaya niya ako na magsimba at doon sabay namin na humiling ng anak. After that it's a miracle that I had that baby." - Modesta Ramirez, Marilao Bulacan

"Pitong taon na hindi nagkakaanak at kusang loob na nag nobena kami lingo-lingo sa loob ng 2 taon at hiniling namin kung maaari ay babae. At ito ay ipinagkaloob mismo sa amin sa araw ng kapistahan, Mayo 18, 1958 at ito ay babae." - Paz Santiago, Navotas Metro Manila

"Sa edad na 40 ako nag-asawa at humiling ng supling. Sa edad na 42 ako ay nagsilang ng isang malusog na sanggol na lalaki. Simula noon kaming pamilya ay nagsisimba at nagpuprusisyon sa Oband tuwing fiesta." - Carmelita Ociones, Valenzuela City

More Obando Dance Rites Photo HERE.