About the Photo: Kuraldal by Ruston Banal

Captured in 2006, Kuraldal is a landmark photograph by Ruston Banal, marking the first time this deeply rooted cultural celebration in Betis, Pampanga, was documented through the lens of a camera. This prize-winning image is not merely a record of an event but a testament to a living tradition, one that embodies communal devotion, movement, and transformation.

The Kuraldal, also known locally as San Juan Basa, is an intimate and immersive celebration held annually on June 24, coinciding with the Nativity of St. John the Baptist—a liturgical feast observed in various Christian traditions, including the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. Its origins trace back to the Betis River, where the festival, then called Libad, took place as a water-centered ritual. Over time, environmental changes led to the shift of the celebration onto the town’s main roads, transforming it into a larger, more interactive experience. Today, water—once drawn from the river for symbolic baptism—is sprayed from firetrucks onto devotees who dance in veneration, passing around a bronze Kuraldal crucifix amidst the lively rhythm of a marching band.

Having grown up in Betis, Ruston Banal has been both a witness and a participant in this festival, experiencing it as a moment of unity—where families reunite, and communities reaffirm their shared faith and heritage. Many Kapampangan families, including those from abroad, make the journey home for this singular event, reinforcing its role as a celebration of both spirituality and belonging.

The power of Kuraldal as an image extends beyond its documentary value—it has been recognized on the world stage, earning top honors at the International Photography Awards (New York), the Prix de la Photographie Paris (PX3), and the Sony World Photography Awards (London). These accolades affirm its place as a work of cultural and artistic significance, offering a rare and evocative glimpse into a uniquely Kapampangan tradition that continues to thrive in modern times.