I’ve lived most of my life in a small town, which has pretty much stuck to its own traditions for generations.
Just tonight, I went with my mother to participate in the twilight procession of the image of St. Anthony of Padua. He is believed to be the patron saint of Miracles, and also for finding lost and stolen articles. Every thirteenth of the month, droves of devotees come to my hometown and give alms, or attend masses said in the his honor. It is not exactly a surprise anymore to see people set up commercial pop-up shops a couple of days prior to the monthly feast day. These “avenues” offer the locals commercial opportunities.
Sometimes, it can be baffling how some people can do things one way, and say things another way, but this is one of the traditions of Sibulan. It is constant and might not change, not for a very long time, at least, until people would think that there was a better way to do it.
