The fiesta usually begins with a solemn celebration of the Mass at the church, with special music by the band or orchestra in addition to the choir and organ. When the service is over, the people move about over the plaza (plä'-zä), or public square, greeting their friends and enjoying conversation. At noon, the priest serves an elaborate dinner to the important men of the town and to the distinguished visitors, while in the various homes, people are entertaining their friends with the best their tables afford. After dinner is over and all have rested awhile, games and sports of various kinds are witnessed,--races around the plaza, jumping, wrestling, ball games, and other feats of skill or strength, while those who are so disposed go to the cockpit for the afternoon.
At night it is customary for the presidente (pres-i-den'-te), or mayor, of the town to give a grand baile (bäi'-le), or dance, to which nearly every one is invited. The largest hall in the town is secured and lavishly decorated with flags, palm leaves, bamboo stems, and bright flowers. The floor is polished until it fairly shines, a long table groans under the weight of rice, chicken, ham, roast goat, bananas, and sweets of various sorts, an orchestra or band is hired, and all is ready for the event. About eight-thirty or nine o'clock a throng of señores (sen-yo'-res), señoras (sen-yo'-räs), and señoritas (sen-yo-ree'-täs) (which means gentlemen, married ladies, and young ladies) arrive, dressed in their finest clothes and ready to enjoy the music, the dancing, and the refreshments until a late hour. The waltz, two-step, and Virginia reel are very much in favor, and a dignified Spanish dance called the rigodon (ri'-go-don), with complicated figures and graceful steps, is also popular.
Every town has its musicians, and often excellent music is made by a group of bare-footed players whom you would hardly suspect of being skilled in anything. Sometimes when better instruments cannot be secured, the boys organize a bamboo band; generally, however, the instruments are those which are commonly used the world over. The great Constabulary Band of Manila, conducted by an American negro, Captain W. H. Loving, ranks among the first musical organizations of the world and has several times made tours in the United States.