Halloween event immortalizes centuries-old Ilocano tradition

By Grazielle Mae A. Sales

PGIN-CMO

Only found in the town of Paoay in Ilocos Norte is the “Tumba”, a cultural tradition that shows the residents’ distinct way of honoring the spirits of the dead.          

Usually practiced every All Souls’ Day or first day of November, it is currently adapted as one of the highlights of the provincial Halloween event of Ilocos Norte named as the Semana ti Ar-Aria (Ghost Week).         

There are various speculations as to where the festival got its name. Some residents presume that “tumba” literally means to fall eternally while others say that it refers to the feast they prepare for the dead.  

“Tumba” can also refer to the catafalque or the elevated, movable platform which supports the coffin during a funeral service.

Residents prepare for the festival and setup their “tumba” and mock burial grounds immediately at twilight, right after arriving from their visit in cemeteries.

The “tumba” or platform is usually laden with “umras” or offerings for the dead. “Umras” usually includes cigars, betel nut, “basi” or local sugarcane wine and “atang”, an offering of indigenous Ilocano delicacies to be served to those who gathered together to join and recite prayers.

A religious icon, such as a patron saint or another holy image preferably the Crucifix is also enshrined, with flowers and candles surrounding it.

Prayers and songs can also be performed by old women who are usually dressed up in “baro’t saya” or the traditional Filipino blouse and skirt ensemble to give an old-world ambiance to the exhibit.

While some say that the festival marks a solemn reunion among the living and their dead loved ones, James Galano, tourism officer of the town of Paoay, said that the festival is originally a form of atonement for the spirits of the dead which are believed to be trapped in the purgatory, making it an activity “to pray for the dead”.

Every barangay prepares its own exhibit wherein they decorate a particular house to make it look creepy.

Also according to Galano, this tradition which had spanned for centuries is as well turned into a competition recently when the municipality of Paoay saw how various communities converge for the event and realized its “potential” in tourism.

Now, the festival-competition is strategically commenced around the town’s heritage area, with a group of judges visiting the exhibits and rate them accordingly based on creativity and “horrifying” impact.

Galano added that through the festival, they are again expecting thousands of visitors in Paoay this coming November.

Tumba Festival will be celebrated this November 1 with the opening of the last year’s “blockbuster” Paoay House of Horror, a convent ruin which was transformed into a horror house for an all-out Halloween entertainment for Ilocanos and visitors.