Did you ever experience weaving hats, bags or mats in Cavinti? I am sure many among us did, particularly the women, because weaving is an important cottage industry back home. And in weaving, when we are in the process of “naglulupi/paglulupi” we discern a feeling of satisfaction because we are bringing the hat to its finish.

Applying the root word “lupi” in fiesta celebrations, it is, therefore, a culmination of a fiesta that has been recently held in a certain place. According to hearsays from the older generations, the “lupi” usually takes place on the ninth day after the real feast day of the patron saint. This gives sense to why Bangco, a barangay in Cavinti, whose patron saint is San Salvador also, celebrates their fiesta on August 15th. The people from Bangco can correct me if I am wrong, but this was the information given me one time when I was working on the history of the barangay. The “teniente del barrio” (equivalent of barangay captain today) informed me that the barrio folks wanted San Salvador for their patron saint because of his miraculous powers so the parish priest advised him to hold the barangay fiesta on August 15th which is also designated as a feast day for the saint as the “Lupi.”

I remember people from other towns come to Cavinti during the “Lupi” to make up for their inability to go to church on the feast day of San Salvador, Cavinti being considered a town of pilgrimage as San Salvador was believed to possess miraculous power. They, then, go to the houses of their relatives and/or friends to partake of the food prepared for the purpose. Most houses prepare food for visitors who might visit them.

The Cavintinians in Chicago celebrated “Lupi” on Saturday, August 16, 2008. The prayer and reception was held in the residence of Mr. & Mrs. Joey M. Socorro (nee Daisy Ranin). It was a real fiesta, “may kainan, inuman, at hurunduyan,” tunay na Cavinti style.

Photo by Mr. Joey M. Socorro                                                                                                                        Chicago, Illinois

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