The Sublian Festival in Batangas is a vibrant celebration that is a testament to the province's heritage. The word "sublian" originated from the word "subli," which is a compound of the Tagalog terms "subsub," which means "falling on the head" and "bali," which means "broken" or "bent."
This celebration, deeply rooted in Tagalog culture, expresses Batangueños' pride in their customs, artistic abilities, and cohesion.
Significance of “subli”
In arts, the word "Subli" designates a traditional dance with exquisite footwork and elegant motions.
The Holy Cross, Bauan's patron saint, was discovered at Alitagtag in 1595 – where the Subli, a religious rite, first appeared – when it was still known as Bauan Sur and under Spanish rule.
When a gambler's wife was gathering water, she saw a crucifix and an apparition of blinding light in front of a nearby tree.
Suddenly, her pale was filled with copious amounts of water as she knelt before the dark, cross-shaped tree and prayed. The miracle was soon known to everyone in the neighborhood.
Subli was the only dance performed in that neighborhood and in front of the Holy Cross in the past, but these days, it is performed everywhere.
Cultural showcase
Sublian Festival usually takes place every year at the end of July. The festival now includes many more events and activities in addition to its original focus on the “Subli” dance.
The folklore and history of the province are reflected in the colorful costumes of the performers in traditional dances, mainly the Subli dance, which takes center stage.
The festival gives regional craftspeople a stage on which to display their talents through exhibitions of handmade goods, traditional attire, and indigenous crafts.
The celebration also includes street dancing, indigenous activities, serenades, the sharing of Nilupak, a sweet potato and banana delicacy from the area, and a Malunggayan Fiesta honoring the health benefits of the moringa plant.
The coming together of these showcases makes Batangueños feel proud and emphasizes the value of maintaining their cultural legacy through generations.
History, culture, and a sense of community are all woven together at Batangas' Sublian Festival. The event embodies the resilience and pride of the Batangueño people through traditional exhibits and a strong connection to religious traditions.
