By: Joe Sprite

In the few days into the fiesta month of May, an observer might notice that the festivities are somewhat subdued. Perhaps it is because of the times. There are some practices that are being slowly discarded. This is one of the causes why fiestas are now becoming conservative. It is noticeable that passenger volume of the past years is no longer the same. Jagna, the gateway to northern Mindanao does not experience the same volume of floating population.

In other years, there are fiesta goers who simply cruise by the streets hoping to be noticed by friends and acquaintances. Invariably they will be. These days, on fenced premises, only a few gates stay open. Which means, do not enter until called or had a previous invitation. This also means that the table is no longer open to all but for the selected guests.

It is out of consideration to oneself and to the fiesta resident not to just casually drop in. With high cost of commodities and transportation, the celebrant who had the reputation of splurging may choose to let the occasion pass until better days. He cannot warn off friends and acquaintances in advance so he just closes his gate or door as a sign of no preparation. To barge in uninvited would cause embarrassment to both the host and guest. Years ago, anyone, who drop in is welcomed. He is expected to be served and to those who live in far off places can expect to bring home some of the food.

As the cost of living rose, the “bring house” practice is slowly dropped. Then came the selective serving. To a discerning observer, mere acquaintances are served ordinary fare different from that for the favored guests. Discreet hosts reserve a different table for the latter. Then finally, if possible, only invited guests are entertained. The uninvited ones are served hesitantly. This is because preparation is limited. The irony is that those who enjoy a better standard of living are those who are more discriminating.

In the past, fiesta goers banded together in large groups, the more the merrier. Host appreciated big companies. This time, host quail at the sight of large numbers. His budgeted preparation would run out before the festivities are over. He will have to endure the embarrassment of telling latecomers that all the preparation had ran out.

This is a sign that Jagna is becoming urbanized. There was a time when everybody knows everybody. Everybody was practically related to everybody. But Jagna population grew, not just by reproduction but also by immigration. First the few newcomers adapted to the custom of a free spending fiesta. But as soon as the influx became numerous, the closeness of the former residents became diluted. The binding ties had loosened. The economic crunch placed limits on celebration spending. Selectivity set in.

As urbanization spreads culinary talents are hired during celebrations. Fancy dishes are served. The higher the social standing, the fancier and more varied dishes appear on the table. This places a strain on the budget. This forces the host to be selective in the invitation. Urbanization starts downtown, it will spread to the nearby barrios breaking old traditions as it spreads.