Tradition runs deep in Dolores

By Dong delos Reyes January 27, 2023 During the meeting, the executive committee and members discussed the festival's activities and rul...

By Dong delos Reyes
January 27, 2023

During the meeting, the executive committee and members discussed the festival's activities and rules. (Photo from Dolores Tourism/FACEBOOK)

DOLORES, Quezon - Dolores (Spanish for afflictions, sufferings) is a 4th-class municipality named after what can be construed as one of the many guises of Virgin Mary, Nuestra Senora de los Dolores; founded in 1834 and such ancient origins account for the deep-rootedness of its tradition.

In stark contrast to the town's name, Dolores townsfolk are naturally warm and amiable, wont to the simple joys and the magic of ordinary lives that celebrate deeply held beliefs and the family.



However, the Covid-19 plague held back for two straight years the town's festivities that honor nature and its elements pristine along with their mystical denizen dwwellers- earth, air, water, and fire.

This year though. Dolores is in the thick of preparations for their annual foundation festivities held before Lent that signals the faithful to flock to mystical Mount Banahaw whose shadow looms over this town.



The Dolores side of Mt. Banahaw, an extinct volcano that provides geothermal energy is replete with waterfalls, that include the Sta. Lucia, Suplina, and Crystallino Falls. The Dolores portion of the volcano covers 1150 hectares through which run creeks, streams, and rivers.

April may be the cruelest month mixing memory and desire, but it also showcases the local colors of Dolores- the cultural presentations, Street Party, and the highlight, the Hambujan Festival.



Hambujan may also be a scattering of water libations to bring an end to summer, and hasten onset of the wet season for crop production. Hambujan is also a rite of acceptance of guests from other places who come to present themselves with the gift of friendship and the proposal of unity.

It features street dancing and ritual competition which is a show of reverence for Mother Nature's gifts of life breath, water, earth, and fire.