Obando Fertility Rites is believed to have started centuries ago. It was a ritual known as “Kasilonawan”, a ritual started by pagans which was led by priestess, consists of mainly merry making, singing and dancing to their god that could help prevent women from being barren. When Christianism entered the Philippines, this ritual evolved and different stories were told.

Now, Obando has three patron saints: St. Claire (known as the patron saint of good weather), St. Paschal Baylon (believed to be the patron saint of childless couples) and Our Lady of Salambao (known as the patron saint of fishermen).

The Obando Fertility rites are always celebrated on the 17th, 18th and 19th of May. Participants are organized groups of women that have testimonials and success stories to tell about their experiences after participating in this procession.

The procession is open to everyone who wants to join. Couples who want to have children, single men and women who wants to find their partner, a dance for good health, and prosperity can also be the reason for the procession.

People offer eggs in the church to pray for a good weather before the procession. Men and women, old and young alike join this procession that starts from the church that goes along the streets of obando.

A specific dance step is done by the older generation, with their hips moving exaggeratedly and wildly as their hands gestures to one massaging the womb. Some wear traditional baro’t saya as they dance along the procession.

Either way, it is the devotion, culture and faith of the people that keeps this tradition going on from generation to generation.