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Towns trade Christ images in centuries-old tradition

Vibrant 'Jesus swap' celebration inspires gratitude to God
Towns trade Christ images in centuries-old tradition
The image of the Infant Jesus is prepared for the 'Balyuan' rites (Photo by Eden Benusa-Reyes)
Published: June 20, 2012 10:34 AM GMT
Updated: June 21, 2012 05:26 AM GMT

Each year, the date June 20 is a special religious celebration for Tacloban, the largest city in the Eastern Visayas, and the smaller nearby town of Basey just across the border of Samar Province. Only eight kilometers apart as the crow flies, but separated by the San Juanico Bridge, these two parishes mark this day with a traditional exchange of images of the Santo Nino, or infant Jesus, known as the ‘Balyuan.’ The annual event started in the mid-18th century when the people of Tacloban – then part of Basey, which is named from the word for ‘beautiful’ in Waray – and the nearby village of Buscada exchanged their Santo Nino images for the first time. Today saw crowds of devotees descend on Tacloban and Basey for an event that Father Amadeo Alvero of Palo, the diocese neighboring Tacloban, says helps people to appreciate the importance of expressing gratitude to God, regardless of social status or where they are from. “It serves as an example to people that they should continue to live in unity and goodwill despite their differences,” the priest said. More than anything, this vibrant spectacle provides people with an opportunity to show generosity, added Fr Alvero, offering important lessons for people on how to conduct themselves with outsiders. “[Balyuan] can be translated as the exchange of resources and blessings," he says. Basey resident, Ricky Bautista, says the event has prompted tangible improvements in the town including a major boost to the tourism industry. It also draws visitors as the world record holder for the world’s longest mat, or banig. This in turn has helped raise livelihoods. “I have seen real changes in our town because of this tradition," says Bautista, using the word “miracles” to describe the effect Balyuan has had on his hometown over the years. Fr Alvero says he will welcome the day when the recent rapid development of Tacloban is replicated in little Basey. “They should continue to lift each other through the regular exchange of opportunities,” he says.   Related stories   Mindanao week of peace festival begins

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