Bulan: Culture and Tradition



The Padaraw Festival
a Union



Every year, the town of Bulan (derived from moon) in Sorsogon, part of so-called Region Five(Philippines), 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 behid struggles and trials. The Town Fiesta is celebrating in honor of Bulan’s patron saint,  Our Lady of Immaculate Conception. The festivities are an expression of this 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.


This Festival is done every year to give hope and encourage people to unite!