SOUTH UPI, Maguindanao — Horses still took center stage when the town’s parish celebrated the feast of Our Lady of Salvation on Sunday.
But unlike in the past celebrations where the Teduray-Lambangian tribe featured stallions in fights with the presence of a mare as “heater”, the contest involving horses has embraced a benign style.
Called Kuda Festival, the contest highlighted the importance of horses as partners of the Teduray-Lambangian tribe in their farming chores. Kuda is the Teduray word for horse.
Only female horses however were allowed to take part in the contest where horses representing the chapels of the parish were adorned.
“Stallions could not join because they will cause fights. Kuda is a major draft animal because of the terrain of the place,” Laura Salinas, Kuda Festival committee chair said, adding the horses were adorned according to who the patron saint is of a chapel.
About 40 entries joined the festival that also highlighted the chemistry between the horses and their owners.
Fr. Dennis Gui, OMI, parish priest, said the event aims to help preserve the rich culture of the Teduray-Lambangian tribe of South Upi. (MindaNews)
Disclaimer
Mindanao Gold Star Daily holds the copyrights of all articles and photos in perpetuity. Any unauthorized reproduction in any platform, electronic and hardcopy, shall be liable for copyright infringement under the Intellectual Property Rights Law of the Philippines.
