Sayaw ng Pagbati: Parañaque’s enduring tradition honors the Risen Jesus every Easter 05.04.2026

The Sayaw ng Pagbati, a centuries-old Easter tradition in Barangay La Huerta, Parañaque City, continues to be performed by youth, primarily girls, who portray angels celebrating the Risen Jesus Christ. This dance, originating in the streets in the 1900s and later adopted by the Catholic Church after World War II, depicts the joyous moment of Christ's resurrection with dancers in white garments adorned with colorful beadings and headpieces, waving small flags to a brass band's pandanggo-like beat. The tradition, choreographed by Carmen Rodriguez and with music by Francisco Rodriguez, involves dancers from five barrios—Don Galo, La Huerta, San Dionisio, Santo Niño, and San Antonio Tramo—promenading the streets after the Salubong Mass to announce the resurrection. Now with 30 dancers per barrio, including male performers since the late 1970s, the Sayaw ng Pagbati is a deeply rooted cultural practice and a form of devotion, with recruitment beginning in January and a waiting list extending to 2029.
















