What makes this occasion so remarkable is the fact that this is the only time and place in the Philippines where the Vatican allows the devotees to eat meat on days of fasting and obligation.  A copy of the famous Bantayan Indult can actually be found in the museum of the Saints Peter and Paul Parish of Bantayan.  

Visitors welcome the pleasant surprise as they are amazed by the fiesta type of atmosphere of the island. Generally, this phenomenon would ignite their curiosity as they ponder on the reasons behind the special consideration made by the Vatican to allow the locals to eat meat.  Strange as it seems, the reason is actually a simple and logical one.

All the way through history, fishing has been the main source of livelihood for many Bantayanons.  Therefore, it is only appropriate that during Holy Week, they would dock their boats by the beach and rest their nets to devote their time not for fishing, but for worship and thanksgiving.  For them, this is a special occasion to thank their God for the abundance of marine life, safety at sea and good health. 

During this short period of time, there is a definite scarcity of fresh catch in the wet market and a prominent temporary increase in population. As a result, the locals have no choice but to offer a variety of alternative dishes to their visitors.  For this reason, the visitors are treated to a festival of dishes, including local delicacies and their famous lechon.

The most awaited procession brings together locals and visitors as they jointly partake in a majestic yet solemn parade of the carrozas.  The usually empty narrow streets are soon overwhelmed with a slow flowing river of people and carrozas.  What make this procession uniquely Bantayanon is its magnificent carrozas they painstakingly constructed and decorated. Gone are the days of simple floral decorations.  In Bantayan, the view is a feast for the eyes as you are engulfed by the assortment of grandiose carrozas adorned with bright neon lights, native materials, imported flowers, and intricate designs.

Bantayan is definitely a place to visit during the Holy Week. A beautiful sanctuary for you to renew your faith, to strengthen your family bond, to relish the mouthwatering meals, and to savor the golden sunset as the sun submerge into the charm crystal blue sea.  This April 5 to 11, the destination is undoubtedly Bantayan Island.