HISTORY

The ancient town of Pulilan was first documented as Puliran in the Laguna Copperplate Instriction, a pre-colonial Philippine document written in 900 AD. The native population of Puliran at the time of the document were ruled by the sovereign Lord Ka-Sumuran .An Augustinian friar, Fray Vicente Villamanzo, was made to declare the settlement a town on January 20, 1796. It was assigned a patron saint, San Isidro Labrador, after whose name he wanted the town identified.From the time the nation acquired its Independence, the inhabitants of Pulilan have committed themselves in a determined effort to improve their lot. The influence of Spanish, American and Japanese occupations, have in a measure, contributed to the promotion of their welfare. But the Pulilenos, as they are known, treasure their great heritage.San Isidro Labrador or saint Isidore the Laborer, the patron saint of farmers, is the patron saint of the town as well. The traditional date of his liturgical feast, which, though not included in the General Roman Calendar has been celebrated for centuries in several countries and dioceses, is May 15. However, it is in the 14th day of May that Pulileňos(people of Pulilan) celebrate the feast in honor of their saint by parading carabaos and making them kneel in front of the church as a sign of respect for the patron saint of farmers. Also included in the parade are cows, horses, street folk dancers, marching bands and floats of commercial establishments of the town

Kneeling Carabao Festival

HISTORY

According to historical records, San Isidro was hired as a "labrador" or laborer. He worked in a farm and his landlord was astonished when he was still capable of finishing his tasks despite his coming late to work most of the time. Curious by this strangeness, he investigated and saw that the person plowing the field was an angel. Amazed, he knelt before San Isidro and the image of a kneeling man is often associated with the patron saint.

Thus, the Hispanic feast of San Isidro evolved into the Carabao Festival since the carabao is an important animal to farmers because it helps them plough their fields and produce a good harvest.

ACTIVITIES

The townspeople celebrate this occasion in glorious thanksgiving for a year-long bountiful harvest. It is manifested by a two-day revelry where one can witness street dancing and a procession of more than twenty beautifully decorated carabaos. A variety of multi-colored fruits, vegetables, flowers, candies and other food crops are hung on bamboo poles and carts. These carts, pulled by the carabaos serves as floats.

carabaos' skin until it is sleek and shiny, the horns are rubbed with oil and given shine. Then the carabaos are decorated with ribbons or sometimes painted and attached to carts. In the afternoon, farmers lead their carabaos to the church square to be part of the procession. At the church, the carabaos not only kneel for their blessings but also walk on their knees like penitents in front of the church. A priest blesses each one of the carabaos as they pass by the church and pay homage to their patron saint, ensuring their good health and vitality for the coming year. On the second day, the carabaos compete in a friendly race, each pulling a bamboo carriage on a 400-meter course. These carabaos were trained daily for several weeks before the festival begins.

Aside from the kneeling of the carabaos and the carabao race, which are considered as the highlight of the festival, there are other things that are equally entertaining such as the marching bands where the audience are treated with the majorette’s dancing and baton twirling exhibition, the children’s drum and lyre band and the street dancers who takes center stage and exhibited various folk dances which usually delights both tourist and locals alike. These performers are mostly students from different Municipalities in Bulacan. Traditional dances and procession of decorative floats are part of the activities of this occasion.

Prizes are awarded to the strongest and most beautifully decorated carabaos.

SAN ISIDRO LABRADOR PARIS CHURH

HISTORY 

Pulilan, known before as barrio San Isidro or Buenavista, is a former barrio and parochial catchment of Quingua before it separated into a town with its own parish. Several sources provide varied claims as to the beginnings of the town and parish. One of such sources tells that the town was founded in 1749 under the advocation of San Isidro and was subsequently named Pulilan in 1850 by Father Ignacio Manzanares of Hagonoy in 1871. Likewise, Father Simon Barroso called the town San Isidro de Pulilan in 1873. The parish of Pulilan was declared as independent some time in 1780 to 1785 according to Father Martinez de Zuñiga, although it was not indicated in the report to the Augustinian Province in the Philippines in 1760.

Activities

During the 14th and 15 May every year, Pulilan holds the Carabao Festival as tribute to their patron saint. Farm animals especially carabaos or water buffalos are paraded in front of the church. The highlight of the fiesta is the genuflection or kneeling of the carabaos with its two front legs in front of the church as sign of reverence to Saint Isidore

PULILAN BUTTERFLY HAVEN

As one of Asia's tropical Edens, the Philippines is home to at least a thousand butterfly species. As of 1993, in fact, studies disclosed that the country is host to 1,674 butterfly species, 44% of which - or around 700 species - are native to the Philippines. Some countries, in contrast, can only lay claim to around 200 indigenous species! Let these exquisite flying gems dazzle you with their glorious hues and graceful elegance, in the miniature Eden that is the magical world of the Pulilan Butterfly Haven.

ATTRACTIONS

Courting
"Pursuing" the objects of their affection, butterflies give a new and colorful twist to the "courtship flight", getting to know each other by feel and smell! - as they flutter throughout the garden.

Mating Not many people know that butterflies - of the same species - mate "back to back". If you happen to catch sight of a pair of butterflies hovering in the air or settling on a leaf - but facing in opposite directions! - you know what's going on!

Laying Eggs 
Female butterflies lay their eggs by sticking them very firmly to the undersides of leaves, using secretions from their own bodies. Usually, the leaf to which an egg is attached is the specific foodplant of that particular butterfly specie.

Lush Greenery Reminiscent of tropical rainforests, the verdant foliage and vibrant ornamental plants of the Haven's gardens not only create a cool and soothing atmosphere for visitors, but also serve as an ideal habitat for hundreds of butterflies.

 The Music of the Waterfall
Scientists have learned that the sound of water can have a very calming effect. A miniature waterfall that trips lightly over rock formations provides not only a restful symphony of natural music, but also a refreshing counterpoint to the tropical heat.

 Butterfly Pool
After trecking the haven's paths, caves and gardens, take a refreshing dip into our butterfly inspired swimming pool that surrounds the vicinity of the butterfly haven. Enjoy the cool and clean filtered water that will give you true relaxation after your day's learning experience.