Ibaan Church

ST. JAMES THE GREATER PARISH IBAAN BATANGAS

Ibaeños is known for being religious and having strong faith in God and no
doubt that the most visited place in Ibaan is its church – the Saint James the
Greater Parish Church. It is one of the oldest churches of Batangas Province
which was first built as a chapel in Brgy. Matala in 1784. In 1817, Ibaan had
its first church in honor of the apostle St. James the Greater, Ibaan patron
saint. From that time, Ibaan Church underwent several renovations. Last
2017, as part of the bicentennial celebration of the church, it underwent a
major restoration which removed plasters and painted the ceiling of its altar
mayor. Aside from the church, pilgrims and parishioners also went to the
church’s Adoration Chapel,Capilla del Santo Entierro, Lumen Christi Chapel,
Galilea, Groto and Belen.

During the Lenten Season and Holy Week, the parish church conducts
various culture and traditional events which attracts various goers to visit the
place. Some of the well-known activities done are Dagit, Salubong and
Ibaeños’ flag dance – Bati de Bandera. Pagbati o Bati de Bandera is a unique
tradition in Ibaan, Batangas which is annually danced by Kapitana with her
Kapitan and Bise-Kapitan every Easter Sunday as part of the famous Easter
Sunday tradition of Ibaeños. The traditional dancing of Bati de bandera is a
praise for Christ who lived again which usually performed in a quick tempo.