CELEBRATING
WARRIORS
History tells us that the Philippines was ruled by the Spaniards for
more than three hundred years. Yet, way before the colonists set foot
on this tropical paradise, a rich cultural tradition flourished.
Natives partook in rituals, honored deities and narrated magical and
heroic tales that shaped their way of life. One of the most common
practices among tribes was tattooing, which was done by
hand-tapping ink into the body as an embellishment or a rite of
passage.
Ancient tattooing was particularly widespread in the central and
eastern regions of the Philippines known as the Visayas. When the
Spaniards arrived, they encountered native warriors whom they called
"Pintados", which means "painted", for the ostentatious ink designs
that adorned their bodies from head to toe. Each body art reflected
the native's experience in battle, and the more tattoos one had, the
braver the warrior was said to be.
Today, in the province of Leyte, ancient tattooing and its significant
contribution to pre-colonial Philippine culture are celebrated annually
at a festival known as “Pintados”.
The month-long jubilation started in 1986 for the local people to
honor the feast of the Sto. Niño (Christ Child). It was later on merged
with the Kasadyaan Festival, which means "merriment", to become
the "Festival of Festivals".
T he Pintados Kasadyaan celebration culminates on June 29 in Leyte's
capital of Tacloban where the streets are animated with colorful
parades, concerts, food fests, carnivals and pageants.
Dancers painted in body art to depict their ornamented warrior
forefathers highlight the event with their portrayal of past traditions
accompanied by native music to remind the people of their cultural
heritage.
Years of colonization saw a shift in Philippine culture that ultimately
shaped and influenced today’s outcomes, milieu and social behavior.
But the celebration of Philippine festivals that go deep into the roots
such as the Pintados Kasadyaan is proof that traditions are kept alive
in the hearts of the Filipinos not only for the preservation of history
but also for every visitor to bring home a part of a glorious past.