Kalesa or karitela is a horse-driven carriage introduced to the Philippines by the Spanish in the 18th century that only the rich and high-ranked officials could afford. The kalesa has become a rarity these days and can only be seen in historical areas and tourist belts like Binondo and Intramuros in Manila, Vigan and Laoag City.This carriage can carry 2 passengers and a kalesa driver. These kalesas were parked in Tiendesitas, a shopping destination showcasing locally-made products. Kids and adults can enjoy a kalesa ride around Tiendesitas for a fee.
This is such a colourful carriage, perfect for a prince or princess or someone who'd like to feel like one.
ReplyDeleteIt's so beautiful. I like the fact that they are keeping the traditional calesa alive. AFter all other major cities also offer carriage rides to tourists as an alternative to taking the bus, right?
ReplyDeletethere's a town in basilan that still has a lot of calesa. you can check out lamitan. they have lots of it there.
ReplyDelete@ donG if you're going with me, i'll ride the calesa in Lamitan.:p
ReplyDeleteGreat looking carriage! And you banner is wonderful too!
ReplyDelete... I shared my views of "Nature's Christmas decorations"
That calesa is really nice. You can see the Spanish influence by the paint combinations and colors. If I visited you could act as tour guide so that I wouldn't miss anything important.
ReplyDeleteHappy RT! Thank you for peeking in on our kid and Santa. :-)
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oh this is just so unique miranda.
ReplyDeleteit just reminds me of the royal family!
does philippnes have the same royal family as canada does? i think that felisol's norway does but i just can't keep it sraight.
thank you so much for your visit and i have just determined myself that i would write to you before i got too busy tomorrow!...love terry
So pretty! I would love to have a picture of me riding it! Cool.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful carriage !
ReplyDeleteThe calesa is such a proud vehicle, one must be quite proud sitting up there.
ReplyDeleteOne may hope that tradition still remains, the good ones that is.
From Felisol
I'd love to enjoy a peaceful ride on this with you...when do we start?
ReplyDeleteMy R T is posted...it's all about Pecan Toffee Bark today. Come over and I'll share a piece with you...
HOMEMADE TOFFEE
I have never seen that in the Philippines yet.
ReplyDeletePlease check out For the love of Family
Very beautiful carriage.
ReplyDeleteThe Kalesa looks like it would be fun to ride in. Great colors, perfect for Ruby Tuesday!
ReplyDeletePatiently he waits,
ReplyDeletehorse hitched to the kalesa—
who will come to ride?
My Ruby Tuesday
awww i havent seen and ride this one for ages! thanks for sharing Luna and for checkin out mine!
ReplyDeleteInteresting history of these colorful carriages [and beautiful horses]--thanks for sharing a bit of your world!
ReplyDelete@ Terry, except for the native Muslim royalty in southern Philippines, the Philippines has no royal family since the Spanish came in the 15th century.:p
ReplyDeletethanks for visiting and enjoy your busy day!
That's such a beautiful carriage, luna! I also love your previous post showing that gorgeous 18-ft. Chirstmas tree. And BTW, our family "pigs out" on Christmas too! All kinds of Italian goodies! :)
ReplyDeleteI would feel like Cinderella if I took a ride in that lovely carriage.
ReplyDeleteHappy Belated Ruby Tuesday to you ~ thanks for stopping by. ;-)
P.S. Fritz is a cutie!