Despite a persistent downpour, the spirit of devotion shone brightly as over 2,000 participants gathered in Barangay Sta. Lucia, Sasmuan, Pampanga on the night of Friday, January 10, 2026. The annual "Kuraldal Kawakasan" festival, held in honor of the town's patroness, Apung Lucia, proceeded with fervor, marking a celebration of faith, gratitude, and community resilience.
A Celebration of Faith Amidst the Rain
The evening's events commenced with a Holy Mass in a compact area, presided over by Father Mark Manabat with visiting priest Joseph Theodore Valencia. Following the religious service, a significant change from previous years was observed. As explained by the town's tourism officer, Sonjai Salenga, the image of Apung Lucia was placed on a carroza for the procession, which began at approximately 10:00 PM.
Devotees then engaged in the traditional kuraldal, a continuous ritual dance performed while chanting "pwera sakit!"—a powerful plea to drive away illness and misfortune and a prayer for fertility and abundance. The rhythmic movements and chants created a vibrant atmosphere, undampened by the weather.
Gratitude and the Revival of Pakawasa
A poignant aspect of this year's gathering was the presence of families returning with children they had prayed for in past festivals. Salenga noted that these devotees came back to express their gratitude, a testament to the deep-seated faith in the tradition. Adding to the communal spirit, Mayor Catalina Cabrera revived the town's "Pakawasa" tradition.
This act of sharing and devotion involved offering free porridge made with shrimp, chicken, and pork to devotees passing by the Municipal Hall. The local band, Sasmuan 31, served as the "mosikus" or local marching band, providing the energetic music that guided the ritual dancing throughout the night.
A Peaceful and Successful Observance
Authorities reported a safe and incident-free celebration. Allan Maninang of the Sasmuan Radio Assistance and Rescue Group (SARAG) confirmed that no injuries were reported during the event. This was echoed by Major Guido Gragasin, chief of the Sasmuan Police, who stated that no major incidents were recorded throughout the entire festival.
The successful holding of the Kuraldal Kawakasan 2026, despite the challenging weather, highlights the unwavering devotion of the Sasmuan community. It successfully blended deep religious tradition with communal sharing, ensuring the cultural practice continues to thrive for future generations.
