Tapusan Festival

Artist Name: Alvarez, Jose Alva L.
Address: Mataasnakahoy, Batangas, Philippines
Title of the Work: Tapusan Festival
Medium: Acrylic
Support: Canvas
Dimensions: 2’x3’
Year: 2008

Description: Tapusan is one of the many festivals here in Batangas where the people of Alitagtag honors the Holy Cross. It is a whole day activity which starts at about 7:00 a.m. on the first day of May. Floral offerings are laid down during the afternoon ceremonies before an old cross in the town church. The observance peaks on the 31st of May with a colorful procession. The cross is mounted on a gaily decorated float together with other floats with flowers carrying other Marian images. All the floats are radiantly and are drawn along the principal streets of the town of Alitagtag by the participants.

The Town of Alitagtag is only about 30 minutes far from the city of Lipa, and as I heard that Artpetron is launching a competition with the theme:”Alay sa Pistang Pilipino”, I quickly researched on different festivals here in Batangas and I find it interesting to have Tapusan Festival as my subject as I’ve seen the joy in the eyes of those kids while waiting for the parade.

I really enjoyed doing this one.

this piece is now a property of Atty. Isagani S. Laluna