Experiencing the Traditional Tumba-Tumba 2025: A Thrilling Journey Through Art and Tradition

This year’s Traditional Tumba-Tumba Festival 2025 was one of the most unforgettable experiences my partner and I have ever shared. The festival, known for its blend of faith, creativity, and community spirit, took on a new and exciting twist this year. The youth from each barangay prepared their own Tumba-Tumba houses, filled with artistic displays, spooky designs, and imaginative decorations that brought life — and a little bit of fright — to our celebration.

From the moment we arrived at the festival grounds, we could already feel the festive energy all around us. The streets were lit with lights and colourful decorations, while laughter and music filled the air. People of all ages were walking around, eager to visit the various Tumba-Tumba houses showcasing the creativity of local youth. My partner and I exchanged excited smiles, ready to explore what awaited us.

As we entered the first Tumba-Tumba house, we were greeted by dim lights, eerie sounds, and incredible artworks that immediately caught our attention. The youth had transformed ordinary spaces into hauntingly beautiful exhibits. The walls were decorated with hand-painted ghosts, monsters, and skeletons, each one made with such creativity that we couldn’t help but be amazed. It was clear that every detail was carefully thought out — from the lighting and sound effects to the handmade masks and props.

I held my partner’s hand tightly as we walked through the house, both thrilled and slightly nervous. At one corner, a group of young artists explained how they created their ghost and monster faces using recycled materials such as papier-mâché, coconut husks, and bamboo. Their dedication and artistic skills left us in awe. What amazed me most was how they managed to combine the spooky theme with the traditional essence of Tumba-Tumba — turning what could have been scary into something meaningful and culturally rich.

The second Tumba-Tumba house had a darker and more mysterious atmosphere. The entrance was covered with hanging leaves and candles, giving it an almost ritual-like feel. Inside, the walls were filled with glowing monster faces and shadow figures made of cloth and light. It felt like stepping into another world — one where art, faith, and imagination intertwined. The youth performers even performed short skits based on local ghost stories, making the experience both fun and spine-chilling.

Each barangay’s display reflected not only their creativity but also their teamwork and devotion. Despite the spooky theme, there was a deep sense of respect for tradition. The Tumba-Tumba houses still carried the essence of remembrance and hope — reminding everyone that the celebration was not just about fear, but also about honouring the souls of the departed and cherishing life itself.

As we continued exploring, we noticed that every Tumba-Tumba house had its own unique interpretation of the festival’s theme. Some featured friendly ghost faces with colourful smiles, while others opted for more realistic, scary designs. The creativity of the youth truly stood out — from eerie sound effects made with bamboo instruments to haunting lanterns crafted from recycled bottles. Each display was an artwork in itself, and my partner and I couldn’t help but take photos and admire their effort.

By the time we reached the last Tumba-Tumba house, the night had grown deeper, and the lights around us glowed softly against the dark sky. This final display was a masterpiece — a combination of art and storytelling. The youth had created a maze of ghost faces that glowed in the dark, leading to a final altar filled with candles, flowers, and prayers for the departed. It was both spooky and touching, a perfect ending to our thrilling adventure.

The experience wasn’t just about being scared or thrilled — it was about seeing how tradition evolves through the creativity of the younger generation. The ghost and monster faces may have made us jump a few times, but they also made us appreciate the artistry, effort, and spirit that our community poured into the celebration.

Walking home hand in hand, we talked about how the Tumba-Tumba Festival 2025 had given us both laughter and admiration. It reminded us that even in traditions rooted in remembrance, there’s room for joy, creativity, and new expressions. The youth had truly outdone themselves, turning each Tumba-Tumba house into a masterpiece of art, culture, and imagination.

For us, this year’s Tumba-Tumba was more than just a festival — it was a thrilling and heartwarming experience we’ll never forget. It reminded us of the beauty of Filipino tradition, the power of youth creativity, and the joy of experiencing it all together.