Devotees in Obando perform fertility dance while social distancing

Devotees in Obando, Bulacan, observed the town’s fertility rites this year with safety precautions such as social distancing amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

According to Cedric Castillo’s report on “24 Oras” Wednesday, the streets of Obando are usually filled with dancing people and loud music as they celebrate the three-day festival.

Devotees from different areas who attend the annual dance in Bulacan are usually those who wish for children, marriages, and good businesses.

However, because of the pandemic, only a group of 10 people were found outside the church, dancing meters apart.

Devotees were also found to perform the fertility dance in the safety of their own homes in fear of contracting the disease.

No tourist was allowed to attend the festival and no procession was held to celebrate the patron saints Clare de Assisi, Paschal Baylon, and Our Lady of Salambao.

Instead, the church simply held an online Mass for all devotees. – Kaela Malig/RC, GMA News