Penaranda, Nueva Ecija

The town of Penaranda is one of the more historical towns of the eastern Nueva Ecija where an old church still stands, a monument to a revolutionary built and historical markers are present. It still exudes the aura of an old town and still is practicing an old tradition going back to the Spanish era, the Arakyo (Araquio).

Spanish Era Penaranda Church

The Araquio Tradition of Penaranda, Nueva Ecija

The town of Penaranda in Nueva Ecija has a very historic and religious tradition that shows how Filipinos adapted to and embraced the Catholicism brought by the Spanish colonizers to the country - the ARAQUIO. The very same tradition also shows Penaranda people's craft and artistry as well as their loyalty to the Philippines' past and culture for it was actually practiced there even during the Spanish times!

Araquio Performers

Araquio is traditionally and religiously held during the month of May in the town of Penaranda where local wealthy families take turns in sponsoring different Araquio groups to perform it. A presentation similar to Spanish zarzuelas, it depicts the crusade made by Queen Helen and King Constantine (and later, Emperor Heraclius from where the name "Araquio" purportedly came from) to recover the True Cross where Jesus was crucified.