Socio-Cultural Activities

Boholanos are known for their devout and pious religiousness, and in Trinidad where 97% of the population are Roman Catholics, this religiousness tinges activities that are social and cultural in nature and strengthen relationships among kinsfolk.

Town and Barangay anniversaries, schools and business foundation days, birthday parties and wedding anniversaries are begun and ended with prayers or the celebration of the Holy Mass or “pamisa”. Cornerstones of houses and buildings, motor vehicles and front or backyards of homes are sprinkled with holy water for blessing. Church bells ring to alert the faithful for the 6:00 A.M., 12:00 noon, 6:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. prayers.

Fiestas are not only commemorations of feasts of Jesus Christ and all the saints but also occasions for happy reunions with families and friends and lavish entertainment. Sumptuous food preparations and the financial encumbrances attendant to such sort of preparation are offerings of thanksgiving for good harvest and fortune. Not so sumptuous offering of cups of steaming hot coffee and pan de sal are made for churchgoers during the novena and mass for 9 days at dawn before Christmas or the Mesa de Gallo.

Offerings of food as well as services are Filipino traits prevailing among townsfolk even in these times of cellular phones. Houses are built and farms are worked and harvested by “ajunay”and “bulhon” where neighbors take turns in helping and being helped.

Mutual cooperation exists not only in the economic life of the people but also in  the private lives of townspeople. Foods and drinks during parties and fiestas are happily shared but in times of sorrow-grief is shared as well. People flock to weddings and parties but they also gather for each other in vigils and wakes for friends and neighbors who have died.

Cultural presentations depicting Filipino life expressed in songs, dances, poetry and plays are made periodically especially during town’s anniversary celebration in the month of September.