Kalesa

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Kalesa in Manila
Kalesa in Manila

A kalesa (sometimes called a karitela) is a horse-driven calash (carriage) used in the Philippines. The word, also spelled calesa, predates the Spanish conquest and descends ultimately from an Old Church Slavonic word meaning "wheels." This was one of the modes of transportation introduced in the Philippines in the 18th century by the Spaniards that only nobles and high ranked officials could afford.[1] They are rarely used in the streets nowadays except in tourist spots and some rural areas.

Levi Celerio, a National Artist of the Philippines in music, composed a song entitled "Kalesa".[2]

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[edit] Physical description

A kalesa looks like an inclined cart. It has two round wheels on each side and two rows of seats that can accommodate four persons. The driver sits on a block of wood located at the front of the cart near the horse.

[edit] Uses for transportation

When the kalesa was introduced in the 18th century during the Spanish occupation, it became one of the modes of transportation in the Philippines, especially for commerce. Rich Filipinos known as the ilustrados used the kalesa for personal travel as well as for the transport of goods to nearby areas.[3]

Although the kalesa has become a rarity, some century-old examples are still preserved in areas of the Philippines, such as the city of Vigan.[3] Kalesas can also be found in Intramuros and Binondo in the city of Manila and also in Iligan City, which has a street where decorated kalesas can be taken for a ride. In Cagayan, kalesas are common, especially in Tuao and many other municipalities. In Tuguegarao City, they are mixed in traffic with private cars, motorcycles, sidecar motorcycles, jeepneys, trucks, and bicycles.

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Kalesa, the 18th Centuries Rolls Royce. Philippines Travel Guide for the explorer in you.
  2. ^ Kalesa - Video Watch, watch Youtube video, download Youtube video.
  3. ^ a b Kalesa. Vigan City Philippines - Unesco World Heritage City.

[edit] References