What to Avoid on June 24
Fiestas…This month’s Lasang Pinoy theme…A supposedly fun event celebrated by communities all over the world…
Supposedly? Aren’t all fiestas fun?
Not for me and since this one is coming up soon, let this post be a reminder to you to be prepared.
June 24, San Juan Fiesta
For the last 15 years or so, I’ve avoided going to, even passing through, San Juan on Jun 24. Each year, they celebrate the feast day of their patron St. John the Baptist by drenching participants with water. I had the unfortunate experience of being “baptized” by these merrymakers while in medical school.
I remember being on a jeepney in 1990 or 1991. I was clueless about the San Juan fiesta having gone to college in Quezon City. On my way to school, in my pristine white uniform, traffic soon became bumper to bumper as we entered San Juan on our way to Sta. Mesa. The cause of the traffic was immediately apparent. All of a sudden, we were drenched, not by one but many merrymakers, with what we hoped was clean water. And we had to bear with that until the jeep cleared that stretch in Aurora Boulevard designated as San Juan. I was soaked. I had to turn back to dry myself and take a shower. We weren’t sure if the water was clean. I don’t remember anymore but I think I had to miss classes that day too.
I learned my lesson then so for the next 8 years or so that I studied and worked in the area, I prepared myself for the San Juan fiesta. Bypassing that stretch was one option. Travelling by car or cab with all windows locked up was another. And if in case those 2 strategies prove unsuccessful, an extra change of clothes was always ready.
I’ve been lucky so far as I have not experienced a repeat “baptism” since. I hope you will be as lucky as I am.
Or if you happen to be one of the merrymakers, be kind to your victims. Use clean water at least.
Lasang Pinoy 19: Barrio Fiesta (Eat ‘Til You Drop) is hosted by Lilimonster. Check out her blog on how to participate.
fiesta, san juan, june 24, st john the baptist, lasang pinoy 19: barrio fiesta (eat ’til you drop)
