Sta. Isabel de Ungria Fiesta in Malolos (2023)

In 1859, Malolos was divided into three separate towns: Malolos, Barasoain, and Santa Isabel. This would last until the start of the American occupation in 1903 when Barasoain and Santa Isabel were once again subsumed into the municipality of Malolos. While political boundaries have changed, the old district of Santa Isabel retains its deep Catholic roots. This is particularly evident in the pious celebrations and folksy processions held in the parish throughout the liturgical year.
The celebration of St. Elizabeth's fiesta in 2023 saw throngs of barrio people attending the solemn evening procession. The presence of both the old and the young, burning their tapers and dancing to the tune of familiar Filipino tunes, gives one the sense that the Catholic faith is actively being cultivated within families in Santa Isabel - one cannot help but feel hopeful that, amidst the harsh attacks on the Church in these modern times, Catholicism won't be disappearing anytime soon in this mesmerizing nook of Malolos.