[your guide from January to December]
This list is provided by:
The Provincial Culture, Arts, Historyand
Tourism Office
throughBombetteGolez Marin
telefax: (033) 338 4910
The
province is one that thoroughly understands the importance of preserving its
rich history and unique cultural flavors. Ilonggos
love to celebrate their cultural heritage through the arts: dance, music, and theater.
All year round, Iloilo is in permanent celebration as the diversity of
festivals make audiences enjoy with its variety of presentations, entertaining
even the youngest spectators.
Testimony
to the rich, multi-faceted tapestry of cultures in Iloilo is a bustling
calendar of colorful festivals and cultural celebrations. Many of these
festivals have become tourist attractions on their own.
The
unending beat of the drums and Ilonggos’
predisposition for a good party resulted to a flamboyant display of folk
dances, colors, and fun. Iloilo, so easy to enjoy, so hard to forget!
JANUARY
1
2nd
week of January
Municipality
of Lambunao
Living
in small disconnected settlements, the Panay Bukidnons or Sulodnons of
Lambunao have retained their own culture, and unique forms of dance and music
which they have preserved through the ages. Their most highly developed art –
the binanog dance – celebrates the
soul of the Panay Bukidnons to the limelight, celebrating the love and spirit
of its people.
The
annual Binanog Festival highlights thebinanog
dance, a courtship danceof twos, or group dancing in pairs, a male and a
femaleis said to have been inspired by the mating of two banog(brahminykite) birds. The presentation is enhanced by
occasional chanting, authentic costumes, and a complex gong-bamboo-drum musical
accompaniment.
For
more informationcontact:
Jennifer
Osorio, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 5337243
2
PASUNGAY-PAHIBAG
Municipality
of San Joaquin
Every
2nd week of January
The
best breeds of bulls and horses in San Joaquin are brought to the San Joaquin
Sports Stadium at the town centerto take part in one of Iloilo’s most unique
cultural event, the Pasungay-Pahibag. The annual bullfight (pasungay) and horse fight (pahibag) have developed over the years,
from an amusing and re-creational event to an exciting competition. Pasungay-Pahibag
features bulls and horses pitted against other bulls and horses and awarded
prizes for their skills in overcoming their opponent. Not like in most European
countries, the animals are not killed or seriously injured.
In
Iloilo, there are no other bullfighting events. It is only during the week-long
celebration of the town’s festival that the general interest for bull and horse
fighting is aroused amongst the fanatics.
For
more informationcontact:
ErlynAlunan,
Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 3147240
3
3rd
week of January
Municipality
of San Joaquin
Bayluhay,
coined from the Hiligaynon word baylomeaning
to barter or to exchange is a tribal dance competition showcasing the historic
barter based on the Maragtas Legend.
It was said that sometime between the 13th and 15th century, ten Shri-Vijayandatus
led by the sultanate minister DatuPuti,
together with DatusBangkaya, Dumalugdog, Sumakwel,
Lubay, Paiburong, Dumangsil, Balensusa, Paduhinog and Dumangsol;
and along with their families and followers boarded their balangaysor boats and sailed across the Sulu Sea on their quest for
the Promise Land.
The
group skirted to the southern tip of the Island of Panayand landed in Siruanga (Siwaragan River in San
Joaquin) where they met the ati(aeta)
chieftain Marikudoand his wife Maniwantiwang. The datus negotiated barter – their golden salakot and a manangyad
(golden necklace said to have touched the ground) for the atis’lowlands, plains, and valleys. After the transaction was
sealed, the atis were believed to
have retired to the mountains and the Malay took complete control of the
lowlands.
For
more informationcontact:
ErlynAlunan,
Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 3147240
4
Municipality
of New Lucena
Every
3rd week of January
The
event feature products and information displays from New Lucena’s21 barangays.
The festivity is one way of celebrating the gains and significant strides made
in the agriculture sector and re-invigorating the sector through program
advocacies. It is also a way of thanking their Patron Saint – NuestraSeñora de
la Paz Y Buenviaje – for all the blessings and miracles she provided the town.
Jimanban
was the original name of New Lucena, a small community organized sometime in
1800.It used to be anarrabal of the
municipality of Cabatuan. Jimanban was derived from the word “nagapanghimanban” or to clear the place
of banban grass in preparation for
planting rice. In the year 1866, the boundary line separating the jurisdiction
of Sta. Barbara and Cabatuan was defined, andJimanban was made part of Sta.
Barbara.
For
more information contact:
Henry
Barcimo, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 3962373
5
SAAD Festival
Last
week of January
Municipality
of Leganes
Saad, a
Hiligaynon word for vow is an annual festivalthat highlights the cultural dance-drama
presentation that celebrates the birth of Leganes’s most beloved religious
icon, their Patron Saint – St. Vincent Ferrer –popularly known as the “Angel of
Healing” because of his gift to cure the sick.
The palapakor
the act of pressing the image of a saint on the head of a devotee is
re-enacted into the dance choreography. It is a popular practice amongst many
faithful who suffer from various sickness hoping that a miracle might happen
through their patron’s intercession.
Much
of the music has a definite local flavor, using a medley of old Hiligaynon
favorites,where dancers in traditional Filipino costumes and wearing scapulars
dance with joy to praise their patron and ends with shouts of "San Vicente
Ferrer, ig-ampomokami!"
For
more information contact:
Jerry
Anas, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 3296622 local 114
6
SAUG Festival
Municipality
of Lemery
Last
week of January
The
agricultural town of Lemerycelebrate its vast agricultural heritage with Saug
Festival.Saug, a Hiligaynon term meaning
to haul an object using akarosa (bamboo
sledge) hitched on a carabao or cow. It is a definitive symbol of the mode of
transportation for agricultural products and people in the old days. Up to this
day, it remained a cultural heritage of its folks in spite of newer mode of
transportation.
For
more information contact:
Hon.
AngelieGolingay, SB Member Committee on Tourism
tel:
(033) 3961412/ (033) 5440011
7
DOT
Region VI
Every
4th Saturday of January
The
Department of Tourism Region VI brings threads of regional culture together in
one place with the annual Kasadyahan Festival. It is a spectacular festival
packed with a variety of dance presentations ranging through musical,
religious, cultural, and harvest to name just a few.
Throughout
the whole Western Visayasregion, colorful and vibrant festivals have been
successful in attracting domestic and foreign visitors in great numbers. The annual
celebration has improved the overall image of the region. The winner of this annual
festival competition gets to represent their municipality or city to perform
and compete in the national arena through the annual Aliwan Festival in Manila.
This
festival is held within the Dinagyang Festival, and is one of Dinagyang
Festival’s highlight.
For
more information contact:
City
Tourism Office
tel:
(033) 5096213/ (033) 3207581
8
DOT
Region VI
4thweek January
Dinagyang Festival is one of the grandest festivals in
the Philippines. It celebrates the devotion of the Ilonggosto the Sto. Nino.It also commemorates the arrival of the
Malay settlers and the legendary barter of Panay Island from the natives called
Ati.
Dinagyang season is launch by mid-October of the
previous year. The launching signals the start of preparations for many events
in a week-long celebration, which will be highlighted by the Ati Tribe
Competition – a theatrical dance presentation which depicts the life of the
Atis before the Spanish colonization and the beginnings of Catholicism in the
island. The participating tribes show energetic performances and colorful
costumes.
Other
events in the week long celebration includes the floats parade of lights,
fluvial procession, grand religious sadsad,
Kasadyahan Festival, liturgical
celebrations, sponsors mardigras,
tambortrompamartsamusika, and highlighted by Dinagyang Festival tribe
competition.
There
is also a food festival, beauty pageant, fireworks display, and a contest for
photographs taken during the event is also held.
If
you want to witness this event start booking your trip by June; hotel
accommodations during the Dinagyang Festival week areprobably fully-booked by the month of October.
For
more information contact:
City
Tourism Office
tel:
(033) 5096213/ (033) 3207581
9
HIRINUGYAW-SUGUIDANONAY
Festival
Last week of January
Municipality of Calinog
The annual festival with strong cultural ties is
highlighted by a dance-drama competition of two parts.It opens withsuguidanon(telling stories through the
art of chanting)– a tradition still being practiced by the sulodnons or the Panay
Bukidnon tribe from the interior areas of Calinog and Lambunao. Every year,
an assigned chapter from the epic poemHinilawod
is interpreted through a dance-drama.
The Hirinugyawsegment follows. Hirinugyaw is from a Hiligaynon word hugyaw(cheer, joy, or triumph). The presentation is inspired by IloiloDinagyang
Festival and highlighted by the people’s devotion to the Child Jesus.Dancers perform
in rhythmic steps, vociferous shouts, and wild cries of joy; with the
occasional clapping of hands in His honor.
For more information contact:
Chester Larroder, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 3471866
10
CHINESE NEW YEAR
Last week of January or 1st week of February
Iloilo City
This annual festival celebrates the friendship of the Ilonggos and the Filipino-Chinese
community in the city. It showcasesthe Chinese culture through dance-drama
presentations, food festival, and ends with a fireworks display.
For
more information contact:
City
Tourism Office
tel:
(033) 5096213/ (033) 3207581
FEBRUARY
11
CANDELARIA
Fiesta
Every February 2
Jaro District, Iloilo City
This annual event celebrates the fiesta of
Our Lady of Candles – the patron saint of the Jaro Cathedral. It features
events that are traditional to the Roman Catholic faith: procession, mass, and
coronation of the fiesta queen. It is a tradition for many faithful to line-up
to briefly see and offer a prayer to the image of Our Lady of Candles of which
is believed to miraculous.
It is one of the biggest fiestas in the
province. Classes in the Jaro are suspended and vehicles are re-routed to avoid
the crowded plaza.
For
more information contact:
City
Tourism Office
tel:
(033) 5096213/ (033) 3207581
12
1st
week of February
Municipality
of Miagao
Salakayan
Festival is highlighted by the annual tribal dance-drama presentations honoring
and commemorating the bravery showed bytheMiagawanons’ ancestors against the Muslim
pirates. Performers showcase a mock combat dance involving the Miagaowanons andthe
fierce Muslim pirates.Salakayan is derived from the Hiligaynon wordsalakaywhich meansto attack.
Salakayan
Festival also features the tradition ofGigantes parade where huge papier-mâché
figures of notable people in Miagao’s history are scaled to 10-15 feet in
height, and with bodies framed out from large bamboo or wired cages to entertain
spectators. The parade is accompanied by small groups that beat out a rhythm on
drums or to the tune of a small marching band to the delightof the festival’s
crowd.
For
more informationcontact:
Anthony
Selorio, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 3159970/ (033) 3152185
13
BURIHAN Festival
2nd
week of February
Barangay
Bitas
Municipality
of Tigbauan
To
show off local creativity and to rouse awareness on the uses of the buri tree, the BitasBurihan Festival
Association has given it importance by way of Burihan Festival. Not only
celebrated to conserve and publicize the local tradition of buri handicraft-making in the area but it
also celebrate andhonor the feast of their patron – theOur Lady of Lourdes.
The
tribe competition highlights the creatively-woven buri products and features the processes on how they are made. The names of the competing groups carry the
processes of how the fiber is obtained such as Likyad,Luknit, Sasa, Karatel,and Hilo.Barangay
Bitas is a small agriculture-based community where the buripalm plays an important part in their local economy.
For
more information contact:
Linda
Fe Camina, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 5117936/ (033) 5118530
14
TAMASAK Festival
Municipality
of Barotac Nuevo
3rd
week of February
Widely
accepted as the country’s football capital, Barotac Nuevo celebrates and
showcases the abilities and diversity of their sports-loving community through
Tamasak Festival. It is a diverse, action packed celebration with sports,
music, and foods. For many Barotacnons, this festival opens up the opportunity to
get involved and have a go at the sports the town is known to love.
Tamasak
is an opportunity for families to enjoy and experience together in a friendly
environment. It takes place at the FIFA
Football Grounds in Barangay Tabucan and features competitions for individuals
and teams likeKabayo Race,Borado, and the Mayor HernanBironSr.
Football Cup; variety shows and live band in the evening are added special
activities. The festival is also an avenue to promote the town and its unique
natural and cultural attractions.
For
more informationcontact:
Novem
Faith Sazon, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 3612789/ (033) 3612504
15
DOT
Region VI
3rd
week of February
Paraw
Regatta Festival is the oldest sailing event in Asia. The highlight of the
celebration is a sailing event for the paraw
– a two-rigged traditional boat. The event is co-hosted by the Province of
Iloilo, Province of Guimaras, and the City of Iloilo.
Activities
during the festival includes miniature paraw
exhibit, paraw inspired furniture
making, Paraw Regatta Beauty Pageant, Sinamba dance parade, mass, job fair,
mini paraw race, jetski competition,
Bangcarera, PintaBaroto, skim boarding, pamunit (fishing competition), paraw
slalom race, PintaLayag (painting the sail of the paraw contest), battle of the
bands, coastal clean-up, and there will be a photo contest for the photos taken
during the highlight of the festival.
For
more information contact:
City
Tourism Office
tel:
(033) 5096213/ (033) 3207581
MARCH
16
KANAWAY
Festival
Every 1st week of March
Municipality of Barotac Viejo
For
more informationcontact:
Lory
Ann Dumdum, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 3620234/ (033) 3620160/ (033) 3967150
17
HIMUD-OS Festival
1st week of March
Municipality of Alimodian
Himud-os Festival is held during the week-long Semana sang Alimodian. It is a tribe-dance competition which showcases the history, tradition, and culture of the people of the town.
For
more informationcontact:
Mary Sol Amarillo
cellphone: 0920 5674 507
18
2nd
week of March
Passi
City
The
Pintados de Pasi Festival is highlighted by the annual dance-drama competition displayingits
rich cultural heritage. Guests get a glimpse of the history of the people that
once lived on the Island of Panay so long ago.
Spaniards
came to central Panay and found heavily tattooed men and women whom they called
Pintados. Pintadosare native warriors
whose bodies were adorned with tattoos.Tattoos are still applied today just as
they were centuries back. The Pintados de Pasi Festival serves as the last
bastion of an unbroken tradition of tattooing in Panay. The celebration keeps
the focus on creativity – without leaving behind the character at the root of its
tattoo tradition.
For
more information contact:
Gina
Palmares, City Tourism Officer
tel:(033)
3115087/ (033) 3116072
19
2nd
week of March
Municipality
of Tigbauan
Highlighting
thecelebrationis a dance-drama competition in memory of all Tigbauanons in war,and
those who sacrificed their lives in defence of their beloved town.It was on March
18, 1945 when the 40th Infantry Division, spearheaded by the 185th Infantry
Regiment landed unopposed at the shores of barangay Parara in Tigbauan. Around
23,000 strong guerrilla forces had secured most of areas in Iloilo under Col.
Macario Peralta; some 1,500 Japanese troops surrendered.
The
Saludan segment showcasesTigbauans’s unique culture presented in fishing or
agricultural scenes of panalud, a Hiligaynon word coined from salud or the traditional way of
gathering or accumulating a thing for its interest or value such as threshing
rice using a basket or catching fingerlings through nets.
For
more information contact:
Linda
Fe Camina, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 5117936/ (033) 5118530
20
TIKAB-TIKAB
Festival
3rd
week of March
Barangay
Asluman, GiganteNorte
Municipality
of Carles
Barangay
Asluman, GiganteNorte, Carles showcases its sea bounties through the annual
Tikab-Tikab Festival. The area is a fitting place to host an island festival
showcasing some of its island favorite – their signature scallops and wasay-wasayshellfoods.
The
celebration was established to recognize the importance of scallop to the
people of Carles. Though formerly celebrated with a different name, Tikab-Tikab
Festival hopes to promote the positive social and economic impacts of its
scallop industry to the community. Barangay Asluman in GiganteNorte is
registered to having one of the highest cases of poverty incidence in Iloilo
and almost 80% depend on fishing as their source of livelihood.
For
more information contact:
Hon.
AbelardoMontibon, Barangay Captain
Barangay
Asluman, GiganteNorte,
Carles,
Iloilo
cell:
(0950)9359556
21
3rd
week of March
Barangay
Oyungan
Municipality
of Miagao
The
eggplant fields in Barangay Oyungan have provided the whole town of Miagao with
the product all year round. Honoring their most abundant product – the talong –
a festival that honorsits agricultural traditions and the farmers is conducted.
It is one of the fastest growing areas of the town producing rice, corn, and
truckloads of eggplants where harvest season normally produce 100 sacks of
eggplants daily.
Activities
in their original, old-fashioned festival celebration includesagro-trade Fair, battle
of the mini sound, barangay night, cavalcade of dances from Oyungan Elementary
School, lectures, eggplant picking for guests, symposium on planting and marketing
eggplant, Lin-ay Kang Tarong Festival, mass, SugbahansaBinitDalan and Boodle Fight,
raffle, and pinakacontest.
For
more informationcontact:
Anthony
Selorio, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 3159970/ (033) 3152185
22
BANTAYAN Festival
Last
week of March
Municipality
of Guimbal
Bantayan
Festival annually celebrate its rich history through a dance-drama presentation-competitionusing
impressive prop, traditional dress, music, and dancing with a blanket of dramatic
expressions. Performances are always a spectacle. It is a happy celebration but
most performers get to be very emotional when finally entering the arena.
Bantayanalso celebrates their faith to
their patron saint and protector –Sto. Nicholas de Tolentino.Local legend
described several apparitions that took place in the town and how these
apparitions saved them from fierce attacks by the Muslim pirates.The bantayan or watchtower along with the guimba, a drum wrapped in animal skin was
used to warn the people of an incoming Moro raid are the cultural icons of the
presentation and are prominent in every dance-drama presentation.
For
more informationcontact:
Karen
Gayanilo–Felicio, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 3155277/ (033) 3155288
23
SEMANA SANTA
Last
week of March (maybe 1st week of April depending on the year)
Province
wide
Iloilo
has its own beautiful Lenten traditions celebrated in many towns. For
visitorsin time for the Lenten spectacle, towns offer plenty of other things to
do.
Church-hoppingthrough
Via Crucisfrom the 1st till the 4th districts of the province is a Lenten base
for exploring Iloilo. Witness dramatic processions around the main streets in
the afternoon of Good Friday, theatrical dramatization of the Passion of Christ
brings to life the death of our Lord annually celebrated in the towns of
Barotac Viejo and Banate and the uninterrupted chanting-singing of the verses
of the life, death, and the Pasyon (resurrection
of Jesus Christ) and Kapiya(Stations
of the Cross) in Cabatuan and Sta. Barbara.
For
more information contact:
Provincial
Culture, Arts, History and Tourism Office
telefax:
(033) 338 4910
24
TALTAL
Every Good Friday
Municipality of Barotac Viejo
This event, which happens every
Good Friday, showcases a theatrical dramatization of the Passion of the Christ.
For
more informationcontact:
Lory
Ann Dumdum, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 3620234/ (033) 3620160/ (033) 3967150
25
PASYON
Every Good Friday
Municipality of Cabatuan 3rd District, Province of Iloilo
For
more informationcontact:
APRIL
26
SEMANA SANG ILOILO
2nd week of April
Iloilo Province
For
more information contact:
Provincial
Culture, Arts, History and Tourism Office
telefax:
(033) 338 4910
27
PANULO FESTIVAL
3rd Week of April
Municipality of Batad
For
more information contact:
28
SURONG FESTIVAL
3rd week of April
Municipality of Janiuay
For
more informationcontact:
RonnyPoblacion,
Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 3304292
29
TAMPISAW Festival
Last
week of April
Municipality
of Concepcion
Tampisaw, a
Hiligaynon term for “to frolic” or “playfully wade in the water” is also known
as the name given to Concepcion’s Festival. The festivity coincides with the
annual Earth Day Celebration, an event that is celebrated in almost 192
countries across the globeto increase awareness and appreciation of our natural
environment.
Our
water resource continually teaches us about the interconnections found in our
environment, and of the need for an ecology-based perspective. Water quantity
and quality concerns are basic to society's well-being, and water-related
issues continue to be vitally important to every community.
The
people of Concepcion appreciate the uniqueness and rich biodiversity of their
town by annually celebrating Tampisaw, an event which aim at understanding
their natural environment and how they should protect everything around it.
Tampisaw is also known to be the first home-grown and community based
eco-tourism festival in the region.
For
more informationcontact:
Engr.
John Rey Asturias, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 3920005/ (033)3967731
30
PANAGAT Festival
Municipality
of Estancia
Last
week of April
Panagat
is a festival tribute to the fishermen of Estancia. It is a call for unity
among the people who thrives near the water. It is a celebration that calls for
full cooperation and bayanihan among itsneighboring
towns. The centerpiece of the festivity is the tribal dance competition that
showcases the creativity of its people. Costumes are inspired from the living
creatures found under the sea.
The
festival is the perfect time for grilling, and residents can do it right at the
main streets with grilling stations where mostly seafoods are grilled over an
open flame. This seafood extravaganza and music oriented event is an all-in-one
outdoor family festival, and of course, the best seafood BBQ in town.
For
more informationcontact:
Rey
June Hermano, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 3070231
MAY
31
Municipality
ofTubungan
Every
1st of May
Tubong-TubongFestival
is highlighted by the annual tribal dance competition reflecting and focusingon
the theme of communityreflecting a shared common ethnicity, heritage, and
identity for Tubungan. Although Tubong-Tubong has evolved over the years and
with new events coming in; its historic highlight, its preserved customs and
traditions is showcased during their festival performances.
For
more information contact:
MarlynTagudar,
Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 3960754
32
Municipality
of Pavia
Every
3rd of May
The
Carabao-Carroza Festival, considered as the provinces’s oldest, is one of the
favorite cultural celebrations that have evolved into a ritualistic occasion. Combining
the colorful and enjoyable atmosphere of deeply-rooted events of
Carabao-Carroza parade and race, it is annually observed as part of the town’s municipal
fiesta celebration.
The
celebration opens with a parade of 18 well-embellished carrozas with its 18 lovely muses and supported by their respective
barangays officials and supporters wearing color-coded shirts. The parade
starts in Barangay Ungka-I passing the Poblacion area and finishes at the
grandstand of Pavia National High School.The second part of the celebration
begins as Carabaos compete in friendly 100-meter racesin categories with and
without their carrozasat the football
ground of Pavia National High School.
For
more information contact:
ShielaHismania,
Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 3297197
33
Municipality
of Oton
1st
week of May
The
entire history of the town comes alive with the inter-tribe dance-theater
competition.The Chinese gold burial mask of Oton is its cultural icon. The role
it plays is a “mediatory” object through which it is connected to Oton’s
history and culture.The town is believed to be one popular site of remarkable
Chinese artefacts and many of these artefacts are displayed in local and
national museums. The most popular and iconic is the Chinese gold death mask
believed to be in the late 14th and 15th century A.D. and found in a grave site
somewhere in the Barangay of San Antonio.
Oton’s
history remains as the cornerstone upon which Katagman festival's reputation is
established. But there is plenty more to this town than meets the eye. Katagman
is a magnificent gem of a festival that has built a significant reputation,
earning it a place as one of Iloilo's best cultural celebrations everyMay.
For
more informationcontact:
ChecheSalcepuedes,
Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 3378944/ (033) 3378190
email:
34
PANA-AD
Festival
Municipality
of San Dionisio
Every
5th of May
Pana-ad
Festival is a celebration of thanksgiving for the blessings received from God
through the intercession of St. Vincent Ferrer, the town's patron. The community
became witness to the many miracles brought about through the intercession of
the town’s Patron Saint, St. Vincent Ferrer, especially during the colonial
period. The theme of the presentation
mirrors the rich culture of San Dionisio.
For
more informationcontact:
Eduardo
Samonte, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 3920399/ (033) 3920522
35
TANGYAN
Festival
Municipality
of Igbaras
Every
last week of May
The
scenic town of Igbaras unites in recognizing the economic importance of its
Tangyan River to its people. The river has functioned as the economic heartland
where Igbarasnons are engaged in
agriculture. As they say, the most fertile areas for farming are in the plains
near the Tangyan tributaries where it provided irrigation water for their
agricultural produce.
TangyanFestival
is dedicated to the preservation and protection of their natural and cultural
heritage and to be able to share them with the younger generation.
For
more informationcontact:
Engr.
Wilfredo Delgado, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
email:
36
CAMOTE FESTIVAL
Last week of May
Municipality of Dueñas
For
more informationcontact:
Susan
Pacheo–Laboriante, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 5379233/ (033) 3510253/ (033) 5379234
37
FIESTAS
IN THE CITY
DOT-VI
Every
last week of May
In
celebration of Heritage Month, The Department of Tourism Region VI Office together
with the different provinces and cities in the region and SM City Iloilo
annually celebrate Fiestas in the City. The event has become an institutional
event promoting the beauty and grandeur of the Western Visayas region. Every
year’s version promises more exciting events during the week-long festivity.
And
as a part of this yearly event, the lovely festival and fiesta queens of the
region join the much-anticipated Sagala of Festival Queens. Aside from these
colorful events, destinations and trade fair is also a must-see with daily
craft demos and cultural shows featured.
For
more informationcontact:
Provincial
Culture, Arts, History and Tourism Office
telefax:
(033) 3384910
JUNE
38
PANDAYAN
Festival
Municipality
of Badiangan
Every
3rd week of June
The
annual celebration of Pandayan Festival is to honor the town’s backyard
traditions that had been the main sources of livelihood of its people. It is
highlighted with the tribal performance of contesting clustered barangays
showing informative presentations that normally focus on the town's local
industries such as bolo-making, taho,
and loom-weaving.
Badiangan
produces several kinds of bolo along with its specific uses: (1) binakuko for chopping wood; (2) sinuwak for carpentry and cutting shrubs
or smaller trees; (3) ginunting
having the same function as the sinuwak;
(4) pinuti for slicing meat; (5) tangkap for kitchen use; (6) linamay, surot, and balintawak are
used in gardening; (7) kayog is used
to harvest rice; and (8) wasay used
to chop lumber and bigger trees.
For
more informationcontact:
Fe
Martinez, Municipal Tourism Officer
Tel:
(033) 3962920
39
MASSKARA SA
SULAY-BASYA Festival
Municipality
of Sara
Every
3rd week of June
Both
coined from Hiligaynon words, “sulay”
is a term for “to get wet” and “basya”
is “to douse with water,” the festival, celebrated as MasskarasaSulayBasya
features performing groups in masks.Masks are the order of the day at the
tribal dance competition as brightly-costumed performers dance to the samba
beat, considered as the dance of celebration and joy with lively and rhythmical
movements. The dancers’ painted masks and elaborate costumes, all vying for
prizes in judging that will be held in the morning.
The
local custom of getting wet is the most appropriate way to celebrate the feast
day of St. John the Baptist, the precursor who prepared people for the coming
of Jesus Christ. St. John baptized the people with water. To remind one of
one's baptism, people in the community use a kabo or water dipper, others have water guns to douse everyone with
water. By allowing oneself to get wet, devotees hope to receive blessings and
the community have bountiful harvest in their farming.
For
more informationcontact:
Shane
Marie Propetiado, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 3920111/ (033) 3920592/ (033) 3920063
40
BIRAY PARAW
Festival
Municipality
of Leganes
Every
3rd week of June
The
coastal town of Leganes takes pride of its paraws
as it take centerstage with the annual celebration of BirayParaw Festival. The
celebration calls attention to Leganes’s active involvement in the tourism
promotional programs of Iloilo. The activity is seen as an important vehicle in
strengthening friendly ties between the people of Leganes and its neighboring
municipalities. This tourism event made its debut in 2006.Aside from the paraw race, the event also offers
everyone with the biray or sailing
experience.
Biray-biray is a
popular pastime of Leganesnons on its clean banks where the gentle water and
gutsy sea breezes create ideal conditions. It has become a tremendously
exciting recreation activity for Ilonggos to enjoy their good holidays: explore
the coastal area and eating fresh local produce.
For
more informationcontact:
Jerry
Anas, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 3296622 local 114
41
PAGNAHI-AN
Festival
Municipality
of Bingawan
Every
21st of June
The
early residents of Bingawan constructed a long building made of light
materials. It accommodated forty families. They called it “pagnahi-an” because the partition was made from materials sewed
together. The building was located at the roadside east of where the Bingawan
Baptist Church stands.
A
cultural presentation highlights the celebration that anchored on the 1906
great fire that swept over the progressive community which resulted to the
great loss of properties and stored grains. Several months after the said fire,
a great famine occurred. Despite of that, the people joined hands to
reconstruct their houses and building the church.
For
more informationcontact:
Marvin
Saladar, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 3963175/ (033) 5355020
42
BAROTO SA LUTAC RACE
Last week of June
Municipality of Barotac Viejo
For
more informationcontact:
Lory
Ann Dumdum, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 3620234/ (033) 3620160/ (033) 3967150
JULY
43
KALAMAY
Festival
Municipality
of San Enrique
Every
12th of July
The
festival is held alongside its foundation anniversary. The municipality, known
as “The Sugarlandia of Iloilo,” is largely agricultural and majority of the
population is engaged in sugarcane farming, thus making kalamay or sugar as the town’s premiere product. Social and
economic undertaking of the town is centered on agriculture.
As
a sign of thanksgiving for abundant sugar produced and harvested all year
round, a festival was created. Its centerpiece is the tribal dance competition which
revolves around the culture, tradition, lifestyle, and livelihood of its
people.
For
more informationcontact:
Dr.
Jose Patubo, PhD., Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(o33) 3510314/ (033) 3510315
44
LECHON
Festival
Municipality
of Balasan
Every
3rd week of July
The
municipality of Balasan annually celebrates its Lechon Festival as an opening
salvo for their religious and municipal fiesta. The festival is considered to
be one of the provinces’s ultimate fiesta experiences that one should not miss.Balasanons want a really special treat
for their festival and they go for the fun and exciting boodle fight during
lunch.
The
entire community together with their guests look forward for the boodle fight.
A military style of eating where long tables are prepared and arranged on the
streets of the Poblacion, the centerpiece is the lechonplaced on top of banana
leaves bordered with rice and ready to be eaten using bare hands. Jugs of water
are prepared on the side to wash hands before the "eating combat".
The municipal mayor signals the boodle fight to start as everyone aims for the
best part of the lechon.
For
more informationcontact:
Cecil
Crisme, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 3970296
AUGUST
45
INDIGENOUS
FIBER FASHION FAIR
Provincial
Culture, Arts, History and Tourism Office
Every
3rd week of August
The
annual event established in 2008 is a week-long trade event celebrates the
humanity of the handmade fabrics and empowers local communities by giving them
the opportunity to showcase their art and earn from their art. The event aims
at supporting and preserving artisan cooperatives while spreading the beauty of
handmade eco-fashion. The project hopes to open investment opportunities
especially in the production of these fabrics. It also aims to challenge and
encourage Ilonggos and local
designers to use these local fibers in their wardrobes.
It
featuresIlonggo exhibitors engaged in
the production and design of local fabrics and hand-woven handicrafts with
daily weaving demonstration and fashion shows featuring local designers and
fashion design and merchandising students from ISAT-University.The annual
Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair is organized by the Provincial Tourism Office of
the Iloilo Provincial Government, DOT-VI, and SM City Iloilo in partnership
with LGU-Miagao, LGU-Oton, LGU-Dueñas, and LGU-Badiangan.
For
more informationcontact:
Provincial
Culture, Arts, History and Tourism Office
Telefax:
(033) 3384910.
SEPTEMBER
46
TINUOM
Festival
1st Week of September
Municipality of Cabatuan
TinuomFestival celebrates the town’s famous soup – the tinuom, a
chicken soup wrapped by banana leaves.
For
more informationcontact:
47
ANIHAN
Festival
Municipality
of Dueñas
2nd
week of September
September
is the start of harvest of many agricultural crops and the last day of the
month is the feast of St. Jerome – the town’s patron saint. The celebration
ofAnihan Festival is an expression of thanksgiving for bountiful production of
agricultural crops.
Started
in 2003, Anihan Festival’s main feature is the Tribe Competition which is
characterized by street dancing and an interpretative dance depicting the
practice, customs, and traditions of the Dueñasanons
before or during the harvest season. Other activities include agro-industrial
fair (thatshowcase the different varieties of ornamental plants),food festival,
and laronglahi. This annual activity
is spearheaded by the Local Government Unit with the full support of the Anihan
Festival Committee.
For
more informationcontact:
Susan
Pacheo–Laboriante, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 5379233/ (033) 3510253/ (033) 5379234
48
TAMBOBO
Festival
Municipality
of Ajuy
Every
2nd week of September
Tambobo
is a Hiligaynon term for “a storehouse, warehouse, or a storage structure for
agricultural products or other goods that are stored and kept until a demand or
need arises”. The festival, as the term denotes, is the presentation of the
municipality’s incomparable and unequalled bliss of human, material, and
natural wealth. Witness and enjoy its cultural performances marked by a lavish
feast thanking God for the crops that would sustain their community.
Ajuynons
showcase their human and natural resources through exhibits, cultural
performances, and through a lavish feast as a thanksgiving to God for the
year’s abundance of crops.
For
more informationcontact:
Jocelyn
Maalat–Torda, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 3920408/ (033) 3920444
49
TUMANDOK
Provincial
Culture, Arts, History and Tourism Office
Every
3rd week of September
A
Hiligaynon term which means “a native of,” Tumandok is an annual celebration
that includes many imaginative and colorful displays of municipal showcases
from tourism students of partner-tourism academic institutions in the province
and city of Iloilo. This festive week-long event which is in celebration of the
Tourism Month showcases destination, product, and cultural performances.
Annually organized by the Provincial Culture, Arts, History and Tourism Office
since 2004, the event is partnered by the Iloilo Tourism Officers Association,
Inc. (ITOA); DOT-VI;and Robinsons Place Iloilo. It is aimed at establishing a
broad network of cooperative partners in the province.
For
more informationcontact:
Provincial
Culture, Arts, History and Tourism Office
telefax:
(033) 338 4910
OCTOBER
50
CRY
OF JELICUON Festival
Municipality
of New Lucena
Every
25th of October
The
celebration of the Cry of Jelicuon showcases the rich history of their town
through the re-enactment of the Cry of Revolution that happened more than a
century ago. It was in 1898, a painful and momentous year for Ilonggos as they endured pain in the
hands of Spaniards, until the heroism reigned in their hearts and decide to
revolt against the Spanish Government.
General Martin
Delgado along with his voluntaries headed to Barrio Hilicuon situated at the
boundary of the towns of Santa Barbara, Cabatuan and Lucena, where they
gathered in an open field and with intense emotion, thundered, “Long live
independence!” (Sonza, Philippine Free Press, 1953).
They
gave up their lives for our independence. New Lucena commemorates the heroic
acts of General Martin Delgado who led the battle for independence against the
Spanish forces.
For
more informationcontact:
Henry
Barcimo, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 3962373
51
Municipality
of Dingle
Last
week of October
PagdihonFestival
offer visitors a glimpse into the heart and soul of its people highlighted by
the much-anticipated annual tribal dance-drama competition. Here, all the
competing tribes show off their dancing and theatrical skills in order to grab
the championship crown.
The
performances features local legends incorporated with its local history that
highlights the sacrifices and bravery of their local hero led by Gen. Adriano
Dayot Hernandez who staged the first armed uprising in the Province of Iloilo
in October 28, 1898. The festival commemorates the blessings of having a great
hero. The week-long celebration of Pagdihon Festival aims to remind the young
generation of Dingleanons about their
local history and for them to imitate the good deeds that their local hero
possessed and the tenets that he lived by, not to mention his bravery and love
for his town and people.
For
more informationcontact:
Dane
Dizon, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 3510480/ (033) 3230083
52
INDIGENOUS
PEOPLE’S DAY
Municipality
of Calinog
Every
last week of October
The
municipality of Calinog highlights its indigenous culture through the annual
celebration of Indigenous People’s Day.The Panay
Bukidnon remains the largest indigenous people’s group with an estimated
population of 94,000 comprising of the groups coming from the municipalities of
Calinog and Lambunao in Iloilo, and Jamindan and Tapaz in Capiz.
Calinognons
celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day through learning from educational resources
that focus on the traditions, culture, and background of Panay Bukidnons and Atis.
It is a day to celebrate their heritage of Calinognons
and for both native and non-native cultures to unite so the many aspects of
native culture can be shared.The celebration draws visitors from neighboring
municipalities and provinces with special events carefully managed to showcase
their local cultural traditions through an enriching and interesting array of
activities.
For
more informationcontact:
Chester
Larroder, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 3471866
53
Municipality
of Dumangas
Last
week of October
The
agri-fisheries town of Dumangas celebrates the bounty of its harvest through
the annual Haw-as Festival. Fishpond harvest is one of the most important
economic activities in the lives of Dumangasanons.
Its people take pride of their bangus
or milkfish with its harvest activities and as a proof of that is this annual
festival.
The
celebration is known for its fun-filled daily events that are family-friendly
and open to all ages. Just being in the vicinity can fill you with a sense of
euphoria so strong that you are bound to keep coming back for more every day.
For
more informationcontact:
Leonardo
Quiachon, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 3612884/ (033)3612400/ (033) 3612478
54
TIGKARALAG
Festival
Municipality
of Pavia
Every
30th of October
For
the town of Pavia, the celebration of Halloween comes with lots of mystery and
ghostly attractions, plus an excellent choice of festivity, the Tigkaralag
Festival. Tigkaralag or pangangaluwa or soul-ingshowcases the
creativity and talents of the different participating groups coming from the
town’s 18 barangays. The Halloween dance competition is the centerpiece of the
celebration.
The
festival opens with a parade with a lot screams that starts at 5:30 p.m. If you
like a good scare there is the spectacularly spooky Halloween costume and
make-up competition. The highlight of the festival is certainly the annual
dance-drama competition, pretty awesome for such a small town. Costumed
characters, like the Headless Priest, zombies, werewolves, and ghosts bring
this historically themed spot to life.
For
more informationcontact:
Sheila
Hismania, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 3297197
55
BANAAG
Festival
Municipality
of Anilao
Last
week of October
Banaag
Festival is a celebration of the town’s local culture featuring inspiring
performances, and incredible lights showdown. A tradition that started with
fire years ago, Banaag is Anilao’s most important celebration. There is no
religious significance attached to the celebration. The festival is a purely
secular for all Anilaonons. It is a
cultural celebration showcasing art, dance, theater, and music. It features the
collective talents of artists and performers of the town.
A
must see for the whole family, Bana-ag showcase its culture through a display
of thousands of beautiful lights. The much-anticipated dance performance
competition will transform the town into a magical playground with its vibrant
light displays. It is a fantastic display to behold. To complement this visual
experience, visitors can enjoy its tribal music which is played along the
street dancing and performance competition.
For
more informationcontact:
Emerson
Franco, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 5143839/ (033) 3620401/ (033) 3620459
NOVEMBER
56
KAHILWAYAN Festival
Every
7th of November
Municipality of Santa Barbara
Kahilwayan means
freedom, and Kahilwayan Festival celebrates the Ilonggos fight for freedom from
the Spanish colonization. In Iloilo, the revolution against the Spaniards
started in the town of Santa Barbara with the lead of Gen. Martin Delgado.
For
more informationcontact:
57
KAING
Festival
Municipality
of Leon
3rd
week of November
The
kaing is a basket made from woven
bamboo strips and weaving kainghas
been a mainstay in the life of the people of Leon. It was said thatwhen the oldpoblacionin
SitioCamandowas burned in 1865, the whole community transferred to the present
poblacion. The kaing was used as
storage for their belongings during the exodus.
The
kaingsymbolizes a basket of
prosperity, a harvest of abundance being endowed with rich natural resource.
The festival showcases the local talents and unique culture, the town’s
achievements, and its quest for progress. The celebration speaks as an
embodiment of Leon, its people, and culture.
For
more informationcontact:
Rose
Lea Kilayko, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:(033)
3310033
DECEMBER
58
SANDIYA FESTIVAL
Every 1st week of December
Municipality of Oton
The town of Oton is known for its delicioussandiya or watermelon. The town supplies watermelon to many parts
of the region, including the world famous Boracay.
To celebrate the bountiful harvest of watermelon, the town held
Sandiya Festival.
For
more informationcontact:
ChecheSalcepuedes,
Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 3378944/ (033) 3378190
59
KASAG
Festival
Municipality
of Banate
Every
2nd week of December
The
town of Banate will celebrate the bounty of its seas and tourism through Kasag
Festival highlighted by the tribal dance competition. Crabbing is part of
Banate's heritage, and crab feasts are a favorite local tradition. This annual
event of food and fun, starring of course the blue crab, is also every
visitor’s chance to explore the town, its waterfront with activities on land
and by water in and around the area.
Kasag
Festival began in 2007 to market its popular industry: blue crab – a well-known
and popular food among Ilonggos. It
is organized and produced annually by the municipal government for the benefit
of the residents of Banate.
For
more informationcontact:
Mervin
Escriba, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 3620006/ (033) 3620002
60
IWAG
CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Municipality
of Pototan
Every
16th of December
If
you are wondering where you can find the best Christmas lights in Iloilo, then
look no further. The IWAG Christmas Festival of Lights in Pototanannually
celebrates this must-see holiday attraction for the entire family.It was in
1997 when a group of Pototanons
(IWAG) organized themselves and had since become a strong and dedicated partner
of its Municipal Government in the preparation and the celebration of lights
every December.
Since
then, the celebration of the Christmas Festival of Lights has become a
tradition not only of the people of Pototan but the entire Ilonggo community that they look forward to each year. It was
declared by the Department of Tourism, Regional Office as the "Christmas
Capital of Western Visayas.” An added attraction is the tribal dance
competition.
For
more informationcontact:
Lally
Eva Mendoza, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 5297333/ (033) 5298202
61
GUGMA
SANG PASKUA
Municipality
of Janiuay
Every
3rd week till last week of December
Park
trees are decorated with hundreds of thousands of spectacular animated and
stationary holiday lights that twinkle along to Christmas music and
illuminating the roadway. This festive yuletide celebration started in 2010.
The
spirit to serve the community is a core value of the local government of this
town which gives all the opportunity to give back to the community through this
event. The town had been celebrating Christmas with series of activities that
include ceremonial lighting, fireworks display, nightly entertainment, and food
fair.
For
more informationcontact:
RonnyPoblacion,
Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 3304292
62
PASKWA
HALAD SA BANWA
Municipality
of Mina
Every
3rd week of December
Over
a period of time, strings of Christmas lights found their way into use in the Municipality
of Mina annually welcoming Christmas with the ceremonial lighting of its
Christmas Park. The community decorate their plaza complex with the traditional
Christmas symbols to commemorate and give a holiday spirit around the
community. Christmas lights are strung and shaped like stars, Christmas trees,
or in a large variety of other ways.
Homes within the complex are adorned with multi-colored star lanterns
locally known as parol made from
simple materials like bamboo sticks with rice papers, cellophanes, or plastic.
For
more informationcontact:
RomieEnano,
Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 5309017/ (033) 5309042
63
PASIDUNGOG
KAY SENOR SAN MIGUEL Festival
Municipality
of San Miguel
3rd
week of December
The
annual tradition of celebrating Pasidungog Kay Senor San Miguel Festivalis for
theirtown’s patron saint that was said to have come through and save the locals
from the area from absolute death when they fell under siege from the rival
bandits. The tribal dance competition presents the story about the separation
of the parishes of Alimodian, Leon, and San Miguel with three assigned patron
saints. It was said that the saints’ images were carried on carabao-drawn carrozas. The image of Saint Catherine de Aragon headed to Leon and
the image of Saint Thomas de Villanueva to Alimodian. However, with much
beating and prodding to the animal for the carroza to move, the carabao which
carries the image of Saint Michael the Archangel insisted to stay in the area,
thus having Saint Michael the Archangel as the town’s patron saint.
The
celebration offers its people the opportunity to enhance camaraderie and
fellowship where they give thanks and share their blessings. They celebrate the
festival with arts and crafts, food, drinks, and special programs.
For
more informationcontact:
NicanorEscalera,
Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 3310670/ (033) 3310797
64
DESYEMBRE
SA GUIMBAL
Municipality
of Guimbal
Every
3rd till the last week of December
Each
year the town’s plaza is transformed into a holiday fantasy with many musical
and animated exhibits, and glittering lights. Visitors can enter a winter
wonderland of lights with songs and local entertainment. This annual holiday
tradition is considered to be one of the longest Christmas events in the
province.
It
is an amazing local tradition that helps bring a much needed sense of community
to many Guimbalanons. The residents are happy that their town was
able to sustain a Christmas in the Park concept for many years. Ilonggos have been visiting this holiday
attraction almost every year, and for them it is more than just a park
decorated with lights, it is all about the holiday experience and cherished
memories.
For
more informationcontact:
Karen
Gayanilo–Felicio, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 3155277/ (033) 3155288
65
Municipality
of Zarraga
Every
3rd week of December
Considered
as one of the largest festivals in the Second Congressional District of the
province, Zarraganhons annually
honors its best produce – pantat or catfish
– on a grand scale with “don’t-miss” special events daily.The focus of the
festival is in honoring those who contribute to the catfish farming industry of
this town. The highlight is the much-anticipated tribal dance competition which
features the growth of catfish farming in this town.
There
is always a special atmosphere at the festival, a unique mix of Zarraga’s
vibrant holiday scene and the traditional community thriving with catfish
farms. The festival is a unique attraction that offers fun and entertainment
for both locals and visitors alike. It also showcases the popular local catfish
dishes available in our local eateries. Locals show how to make the most of
this bounty with a chance to watch, learn, and try other delicious dishes.
For
more informationcontact:
Hon.
Erwin Guadalupe, SB Committee on Tourism / Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 5254254 / (033) 3330474
66
PATUBAS
Festival
Municipality
of Barotac Viejo
Every
3rd week of December
Patubas
is a municipal wide festival celebrating food heritage and culture in Barotac
Viejo. It is a festival of feasting and merriment celebrating the abundance of
blessings the people in the community enjoy. It is also a celebration to
continue the local government’s goal of reconnecting their people back to where
their blessings come from.
The
festival encourages residents from this town, the rest of Iloilo, and beyond to
gather together and experience an exciting range of culinary delights. It
involves and educates people in the appreciation of good, clean, fair food
while showcasing the town's ever expanding network of dedicated, enthusiastic
producers, and all the gastronomic delights this town has to offer.
For
more informationcontact:
Lory
Ann Dumdum, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 3620234/ (033) 3620160/ (033) 3967150
67
TULTUGAN
Festival
Municipality
of Maasin
3rd
week of December
Tultugan is a
native bamboo percussion instrument used by natives of long ago as a tool for
communication and as a musical instrument. With Maasin’s reputation as the primary
bamboo producer in the region, Tultugan Festival aims to promoteits local
bamboo industryhighlightingits significance and importance in the lives of the
people in the community. It showcases a cultural celebration underlining its
people’s ingenuity of creating bamboo musical instruments and its music, and
costumes. The competition of tribes and street dancing is the centerpiece of
this annual festivity.
Tultugan’sroot
word is tultug which has been defined
as an action verbalizing the act of playing sound on bamboo. Usually this is
rendered through a bamboo stick striking it against the body of the bamboo,
thus becoming a rhythmic instrument called Tultugan.
For
more informationcontact:
Jestine
Casio, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
(033) 3330299
