Pulilan Kneeling Carabao Festival 2025 - Viva San Isidro Labrador

Kneeling Carabao Festival is a unique festival held in the municipality of Pulilan, Bulacan every 14th of May. Even nearby provinces participate in this two-day celebration to join with the parade of beautifully decorated carts.

The carabaos are being trained since childhood by their owners using hand gestures to kneel. One thing I saw making the carabaos kneel is when the owner holds the nape of the carabao. These owners make the carabaos kneel in front of the San Isidro Labrador Parish Church as a sign of thanksgiving and honor to the patron of the farmers for a bounteous harvest.

On the parade are marching bands and majorettes of all over the town, in full costumes and gears under the extreme heat of the sun. These bands are performing in front of the church giving countless smiles and joys to the thousand audiences of the parade.

The Kneeling Carabao Festival is held every 14th of May with the parade of colorful carts starting at 2 in the afternoon. The festival looks grand and well planned off.

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The annual Feast of San Isidro Labrador in Pulilan, Bulacan is a vibrant religious and cultural celebration held every year, specifically around May 14 and 15. It's a thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest, with the town's patron saint, San Isidro Labrador (the patron saint of farmers), being honored. 

Here's a more detailed look:

Kneeling Carabao Festival:

The most iconic part of the celebration is the Kneeling Carabao Festival, where carabaos (water buffaloes) are paraded and then kneel in front of the church as a sign of reverence to Saint Isidro. 

Parading of Farm Animals:

Besides carabaos, other farm animals are also paraded, adding to the festive atmosphere. 

Religious Significance:

The festival is a deeply religious occasion, with farmers expressing their gratitude for the harvest and acknowledging Saint Isidro's role as their protector. 

Cultural Heritage:

The Kneeling Carabao Festival showcases Pulilan's strong agricultural heritage and the importance of carabaos in their daily lives. 

Tourism:

The festival draws tourists from all over, offering a unique glimpse into Filipino rural life and religious traditions.