Pampanga town scales down St. Peter’s feast to control COVID-19 spread

In the past years before the pandemic, thousands of devotees would carry the life-size image of Saint Peter, fondly called Apung Iru to folks, for a procession during its three-day feast in Apalit town, Pampanga province. (Photo by Tonette Orejas)

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—Still controlling the spread of COVID-19, officials in Apalit town, Pampanga have canceled processions during the three-day feast of St. Peter starting June 28.

For the second year, no libad (fluvial parade) and limbun (land-based procession) would be held, Mayor Oscar Tetangco Jr. said Tuesday, June 22.

The river parade gathers thousands of devotees on more than 200 motorboats. The processions usually span five kilometers.

The life-sized image of the first pope of the Roman Catholic Church, fondly called Apung Iru to folks, had its first recorded fluvial parade 177 years ago in 1844.

The image, which is made of wood, is owned by the Gonzales clan in Barangay Capalangan.

Tetangco said the restrictions include imposing a liquor ban beginning June 26. The mass would accept a limited number of people, he said.

As of June 19, Apalit had 799 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 53 active ones. At least 690 have recovered, and 56 died.

LZB