Pasalamat Festival: Barangay Nagasi wins ‘Pawasak’
AS the city of La Carlota celebrates its 39th Pasalamat Festival, which officially opened on April 23, they staged “Pawasak,” one of the must-see attractions that usually happens days before the actual street dance and float parade competition, on the second day.
Mayor Luis Jalandoni III said there were 24 tribes which were divided into three stations competed for the “Pawasak.”
Barangay Nagasi was hailed Best in Pawasak in the group category while an elderly from the said barangay also won for the individual category.
Contingents from the markets and slaughterhouse were named as Best in Pawasak Costume in the group category and several individual categories.
“Pawasak” is an Ilonggo term which literally translates to “going for broke” yet translations may also include “pawala,” unbothered or carefree.
The tradition of Pawasak goes back to the early days of the Mardi Gras when one, probably intoxicated and not dressed in the traditional festival garb, can randomly join the merrymaking in the streets.
In its early form, “Pawasak” is characterized by mild horseplay where people may playfully push and hit someone or throw something like tomatoes, eggs, plastic containing colored water and whatnots for fun at someone.
In the last decade, ”Pawasak” has evolved into a more organized and safe activity mainly staged for fun.
Meanwhile, one of the distinct features of the Pasalamat Festival is its danceable drumbeats where carabao leather drums and percussion were made with the use of indigenous materials.
One night is dedicated to various tribes to showcase their skills in drumbeating.
People around the city, as well as guests, enjoy the evening of sounds and were partying till they drop at the public plaza of the city.*