Philippines: The people of Philippines honour their patron Saint of farming, San Isidro, in their Carabao festival in Pulilan on May 14 and 15 every year.
This year too hundreds of groomed carbaos (water buffaloes) took part in an annual parade to honour the Saint.
The Philippine carabao is a swamp type version of the Indian water buffalo- an important animal in the local agricultural industry.
Before the owners parade the town with their carabaos, a local priest in the churchyard blesses them.
Each carabao pulls a decorated bamboo cart in a 400-metre race. The winning carabao becomes the king for the day and games, food and fireworks follow the race.
This annual festival has existed for centuries and pays a tribute to the water buffalo, a very important contributor to the farming.
Unfortunately modern farming techniques in recent years has led to a decline in their number but even then it is a revered animal and is considered a national symbol.
(With inputs from Sakthy Edamaruku)
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