Ilocos Norte launches ‘Tumba fest’

By Freddie G. Lazaro

LAOAG CITY , Ilocos Norte – Thousands of local residents and tourists attended the launching of this year’s “Tumba Festival” in Paoay on Saturday, highlighting the 2013 SemanatiAr-aria  (Ghost Week) initiated by the provincial government under Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos.

The festival was usually conducted every Nov. 1 during the observance of All Saint’s Day, but this was postponed to November 2 this year due to the onslaught of typhoon “Vinta.”

“The crowd were mostly attracted to watch the scary elements displayed at the established horror house at the ruins beside the historic Paoay Church,” EllaineLubguban of the provincial communications office said.

During the festival, she said that Ilocano traditions being practiced during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day were also showcased.

“The mode of offering and praying of Ilocanos for the dead were demonstrated during the fest,” she added.

It was noted that the Tumba festival is an event that immortalizes the centuries-old Ilocano tradition every Halloween season.

Paoay’s tourism officer James Galano also disclosed that Tumba is only found in Paoay town, which is a cultural tradition that shows the residents’ distinct way of honouring the spirits of the dead.

This year, the Tumba Festival graced the opening of the “blockbuster” Paoay House of Horror, a ruin that was transformed into a horror house for an all-out Halloween entertainment for Ilocanos and visitors.

Galano also noted that there were various speculations as to where the festival got its name. Some residents presumed that “tumba” literally means to fall eternally, while others say that it refers to the feast they prepare for the dead.

“Tumba” can also refer to the catafalque or the elevated, movable platform that supports the coffin during a funeral service.

Residents prepare for the festival and set up their “tumba” and mock burial grounds immediately at twilight, right after arriving from their visit in the cemeteries.

The “tumba” or platform is usually laden with “umras” or offerings for the dead. “Umras” usually include cigars, betel nut, “basi” or local sugarcane wine, and “atang,” an offering of indigenous Ilocano delicacies to be served to those who gathered to join and recite prayers.

A religious icon, such as a patron saint or another holy image preferably the Crucifix is also enshrined, with flowers and candles surrounding it.

Prayers and songs can also be performed by elder women who are usually dressed up in “baro’t-saya” or the traditional Filipino blouse and skirt ensemble to give an old-world ambiance to the exhibit.

While some say that the festival marks a solemn reunion among the living and their dead loved ones, he said that the festival is originally a form of atonement for the spirits of the dead, which are believed to be trapped in the purgatory, making it an activity “to pray for the dead.”