Tradition vs. Modernity: A Closer Look at Easter Sunday Celebrations

Abstract

Tradition and modernity are seen as the two poles around which the practice of Hugos in Panglao swings. This popular Easter tradition goes back to the Spanish colonial period and is still alive today. But this has been slowly losing its intrinsic values due to many factors brought about by modernization. This paraliturgical practice that lies at the heart of the community’s culture and identity is under serious threat from globalization. Globalization poses serious challenges to the survival of this traditional form of religious drama. The objectives of this research are: (1) to determine the following aspects that characterize the Panglao Hugos Tradition-history, artistic aspects, creative processes, significance, and challenges for preservation; and (2) to ascertain possible venues and strategies for future revitalization and preservation for sustaining the culture of communal spirituality. The researcher employed the following research methodologies: (1) focused group discussion (FGD) with a group of selected heritage bearers of the town; (2) one-on-one interviews with selected personalities or individuals who have been instrumental in the continuity of the local tradition in their town; (3) process documentation of the Hugos practice covering pre-, actual, and post-production activities. The research findings revealed that the presence of heritage bearers and heritage keepers and cultural leaders ensure the safeguarding of some of its basic elements, like music and design icons. The values of cooperation, voluntarism, generosity, family ties and creativity have sustained the sense of community spirit and ownership of the practice. The rapid forces of change specifically technological innovations and the impact of globalized culture like the use of recorded soundtracks, multi-media, and boom-trucks may have caused the gradual loss of this cultural heritage vis-à-vis concepts of holistic socio-cultural development. The research points some paths for how a colonial tradition like the Hugos may truly be revitalized to make it more meaningful and relevant to communities in the island province of Bohol despite the vicissitudes of time.