CAPIZtahan

 CAPIZtahan Festival in the Philippines 

    CAPIZtahan is an annual cultural and gastronomic festival, foundation anniversary, and memorial ceremony in the province of Capiz on the Philippine island of Panay, held on April 15th.

#onecapiz

#biggerbrightercapiz

          #capiztahan

It is a gathering of cultural festivals from the province's constituent communities, a celebration of its rich cultural legacy, and a community event aimed at increasing tourism. The province is known as the country's seafood capital.

CAPIZtahan is a mix of Capiz and pista, which is derived from the Spanish word fiesta, which meaning celebration. The festival commemorates the province's establishment. According to Maragtas, a compendium of oral history and mythology published in the nineteenth century, Panay was inhabited by native aborigines known as Atis prior to the arrival of the Spaniards.

 

Brief History and Origin

When the Malays arrived, they moved to the hinterlands, led by 10 chieftains who had fled Borneo, which was under Rajah Makatunaw's brutal rule. Capiz (formerly known as Ilaya) was a portion of Aklan (formerly known as Akean) and was administered by Datu Bangkaya,

Seafood capital of the Philippines

Moreover, CAPIZtahan is a celebration of the province as seafood capital of the country. Although Capiz may not be part of the top seafood producers according to a study, it has kilometers-long coastlines, surrounding fishing grounds, and swampy areas that are utilized as fishponds.

Its aquaculture industry produces harvests of crabs, milkfish, mussels, and prawns. On the other hand its capital, Roxas City, is a logistical hub from nearby towns and provinces.

 

Remembering the Late President Roxas

Capiz residents commemorate his death anniversary with an annual celebration held from April 13th to 15th. The festival is called "CAPIZtahan," which combines the words Capiz and kapistahan (festivals). CAPIZtahan also commemorates the foundation anniversary of Capiz's civil administration. Every year, the 16 municipalities in the province collaborate to create a variety of events for the community.

Another widely anticipated event was the Giants Parade, which featured huge legendary and seafood animals. Capizeños demonstrated their artistry through street dance. This gave young people and tourists an insight of Capiz's rich history and culture.

Sinadya Festival

 Sinadya Festival in the Philippines 

    Every December 8, Roxas City, the capital of the province of Capiz in the Philippines, hosts the Sinadya Festival, a Christmas, cultural, and religious celebration. It honors Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, the city's patroness. In some years, it was known as the Sinadya sa Halaran Festival, in partnership with the provincial administration of Capiz.

        #biggerbrighterroxas

        #roxasthebest

        #seafoodcapital 

Sinadya sa Halaran is the combination of two Capiznon celebrations. Roxas City, Capiz's capital, used to have its own festival in addition to the mother province's.  However, because it was too expensive to conduct two big festivals in a single year, they chose to combine Roxas City's Sinadaya (Celebration) and Capiz's Halaran (Offering) into one grand celebration.

In 1992, the Roxas city government and the Capiz provincial government decided to hold a two-in-one festival called Sinadya sa Halaran, which translates to "Joy of Sharing". Sinadya, the city festival, merged with Halaran, the provincial festival.

Halaran is derived from the Hiligaynon language and meaning sharing. The Halaran celebration began in 1975 to commemorate the roots of the Panay island and the trade that occurred between Malay settlers and native populations prior to the conquest.

Sinadya and Halaran were formerly conducted independently, but were integrated in 1992. The experiment was short-lived, as the following year, 1993, these were honored separately again.

Location and Origin

The city of Roxas holds the annual Sinadya Festival, which comes from the Hiligaynon term for joy. It is a celebration of the patronal feast of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception.

The church was founded in 1693. It was a visita of Panay. Some accounts placed that it was in 1707 that the Augustinians arrived in Capiz and founded a church placed under the advocation of the Immaculate Conception. The colonial-era stone church was built in 1877.

Capiz became a diocese on January 27, 1951 and then an archdiocese on January 17, 1976. And the church became known as Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral or Roxas Cathedral after the name of the city.

 

Prosesyon sa Suba

Prosesyon sa Suba translates to fluvial procession. It is the journey of the image of the patroness in the Panay River. It is held in the evening of December 7, the eve of the feast. It is marked with lighted water vessels containing the image as it floats through the river and reaches the cathedral.

Additionally, participants light candles and release floaters in the river. The crowning of the image of the Blessed Mother is usually undertaken by the Musa de la Immaculada Concepcion. There will also be a blessing of the religious icons that attendees bringing during the festivity.

 

Costume Made

Colorful scarves painted in blooming flowers sailed through the scorching air of Capiz Province as contingents of the annual Sinadya sa Halaran showed their flair to the throngs of Capiznons eagerly watching the festivities. Gals dressed in traditional Filipiniana and guys garbed in barongs marched and danced at the avenues of Roxas City, totally unmindful of the sweltering heat of the midmorning sun.

Buglasan Festival

Buglasan Festival in the Philippines 

    One of the most anticipated celebrations in Negros Oriental is the Buglasan Festival, sometimes referred to as "The Festival of Festivals." The province's capital, Dumaguete City, celebrates it in the middle of October.

        #buglasan

        #godumaguete

        #cityrise

The annual Buglasan Festival is held in Dumaguete City, Philippines. The word "buglas" is derived from the Cebuano word "buglas," which means "to burst forth." It honors the city's rich history and culture while also remembering its founding.

The festival honors the city's nautical history by presenting customary boat races, ethnic dances, and locally made goods and crafts. It keeps Dumaguete City's cultural character intact, encourages tourism, and strengthens community ties.

The 1994 inclusion of the Buglasan Festival in the national tourism calendar was one significant historical event. This acknowledgment raised the festival's profile and aided in its development into a popular tourist destination.

Location and Origin

According to some historical documents, a man by the name of Diego Lope Provedano drew a map of Negros in 1572, which included the island of Buglas Insulis. The celebration of Buglasan Festival was created to honor Negros Oriental and its contents.

When the towns, cities, and municipalities of Negros Oriental resolved to come together as one happy Negrense family, the Buglasan Festival was created. The goal of this event was to bring the people of Negros Oriental together while also sharing and exhibiting the many customs and cultures that range from Canlaon City in the north to Bayawa

The show down competition is yearly celebrated and held in the Lamberto Macias Sports & Cultural Complex in Dumaguete, while the street dances are showcased through the streets of National Road, Real Street and occasionally in the Rizal Boulevard. . The fairs and food trades are located in Freedom Park where concert shows and live bands are also played every night.

Throughout its history, it has been exposed to raids by Moro pirates operating at sea. The coastal areas were surrounded by watchtowers, creating a network of defense systems. Among the most well-known is the Dumaguete Belfry, which doubled as a watchtower.

The Buglasan Festival got underway in 1981. The necessity to select delegates to be sent to the Philippine Folk Arts Festival led to its creation. According to a 1999 news article, it had been put on hold for ten years when the Negros Oriental provincial government decided to bring it back.

Pintado-Kasadyaan Festival

Pintado-Kasadyahan Festival in the Philippines 

The Pintado-Kasadyaan Festival in Tacloban City honors the cultural diversity of the area. The Pintados Festival of Leyte and the Kasadyaan Festival of Iloilo are combined into one event. 

           #pintados

           #kasadyahan

           #leyteisone

 This colorful celebration is a captivating blend of color, dancing, and legacy that is firmly anchored in the history and customs of the Visayan people. This article delves into the intricate details of the event, examining its historical background, relevance, and the all-encompassing experience it provides for both residents and visitors.

The province of Leyte in the Philippines is where the Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival originated. The Pintados Festival, which means "Painted Ones," honors the native warriors who have tattoos across the area. These warriors are renowned for their elaborate body art, which represents bravery and strength. The Kasadyaan Festival, on the other hand, celebrates joy and good cheer, emphasizing the fortitude and joyous nature of the Visayan people.

During the event, participants compete in thrilling street dancing competitions while donning traditional clothing and exquisite body paint that resembles ancient tattoos. These vibrant exhibits pay tribute to the Pintados fighters' bravery and artistic talent. 

Date of Celebration

Every year during the Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival, which takes place in late June or early July, Tacloban City comes to life with a flurry of activity and excitement from both locals and tourists. The celebration begins with a dazzling street procession, in which people dance to the upbeat sounds of traditional music while donning elaborate body paint and bright costumes. A visual feast is served to the audience as captivating acts highlighting the region's rich cultural heritage are presented.

The Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival is rooted in a profound respect for cultural identity and customs. The festival attempts to protect and promote the traditions, values, and artistic abilities of the Visayan people through a variety of events and activities. Every facet of the celebration, from culinary treats and folklore to indigenous crafts and tribal ceremonies, bears witness to the region's cultural heritage's continuing legacy.

Costume Made

An exciting cultural event known as the Pintados Kasadyaan Festival takes place in the Philippine province of Leyte every year. The Leyte indigenous people, known as "pintados," are distinguished by their elaborate body tattoos. In the local vernacular, "kasadyaan" means "festival" or "merrymaking."

This celebration uses street parades, dancing performances, and eye-catching exhibits to highlight Leyte's rich cultural heritage. It encourages travel, protects customary arts and crafts, and builds a feeling of neighborhood pride. The Pintados Kasadyaan Festival's recognition of its national significance through its inclusion in the Philippine Registry of Cultural Properties represents an important historical development.

Sandugo Festival

 Sandugo Festival in the Philippines 

    The Sandugo Festival is held in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, in Central Visayas. It honors the ancient blood covenant, or "sandugo," that was made in 1565 between the Bohol chieftain Datu Sikatuna and Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi. 

            #sandugofestival

            #sanduguangbayan

           #risetagbilaran 

During the Spanish colonial era, this momentous occasion represents friendship and solidarity between the Filipino people and the Spanish. Vibrant street dancing, parades, beauty pageants, and cultural events fill the streets during the festival. Participants display Bohol's cultural legacy via their music, dance, and artwork while dressed in traditional clothes.  

The festival's main attraction is the street dancing competition, where different groups compete by performing choreographed dances to upbeat music.  Additionally, visitors can view the Sandugo Shrine, a bronze work of art created by national artist Napoleon Abueva that illustrates the momentous occasion between the two groups.

The purpose of the Sandugo Festival is to honor the blood agreement that was established in March 1565 between Datu Sikatuna, the chieftain of Bohol, and Captain General Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, a Spanish sailor whose diplomacy was rumored to have greatly pleased the native monarch. Legazpi was able to win Sikatuna's trust despite hostility from other nearby Filipino villages, which was cemented by their blood compact.

According to the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist of Bohol, this year will feature a trade and agricultural fair promoting organic products gathered by Boholano farmers. Additionally, the "Tatak Bohol" brand will be introduced to showcase locally produced goods by Boholanos as well as high-quality, food-safe agro-fishery items! Every three years, Boholanos celebrate Tigum Bol-Anon Tibuak Kalibutan, which welcomes them back to the world. On July 22, Bohol Day, ten Boholanos will be honored for their exceptional global contributions.

Cultural Significance of the Sandugo Festival

The Sandugo Festival is an annual celebration of Boholano culture that first began in 1982. Taking place in the capital city of Tagbilaran, the festival aims to promote cultural awareness and understanding among all its citizens. Through intricate dance routines, vibrant costumes and traditional folk music, the festival highlights Philippine culture’s diversity and rich history.

Aside from promoting historic items associated with the Visayan people such as musical instruments and fashion styles, the Sandugo Festival also raises funds for local charities throughout Bohol. It serves to strengthen a sense of community and bring together local businesses to help them create a legacy for future generations.

Showcase of traditional dances and music

Sandugo is a celebratory festival with its own unique significance in Philippine culture. It offers an engaging showcase of traditional dances, music and other art forms that have been passed down through generations. From thunderous drumbeats that welcome the opening ceremonies, to graceful and intricate steps of the Hajjah dance, it is evident that each cultural element has a special meaning that comes from centuries of heritage. Not only does the festival revive ancestral traditions, it also brings communities together to celebrate their shared cultural identity.

Panaad Festiva

Panaad Festival in the Philippines 

    The Philippines' Panaad sa Negros Festival is an annual celebration of agriculture, culture, and the environment that takes place in the province of Negros Occidental. Known as the province's summer celebration and the mother of all festivals, it brings together all of the cities and municipalities that take part in a variety of contests, events, and activities. Additionally, it's an opportunity to provide a larger audience to their distinctive goods, like crafts and delicacies, as well as their identity, local festivals, and cultural history.

The word panaad, which meaning vow or promise in the Hiligaynon language, is the origin of the Panaad Festival. It was planned and launched by the Negros Occidental provincial government in May 1993, and it lasted for three days. It happened at the same time that Negros Occidental was formally established in 1901 as a separate entity from Negros Oriental.
It is currently extended for a whole week. Its operations were first conducted in the vicinity of Bredco Port for many years before being permanently moved to Panaad Sports and Recreational Park in Mansilingan, Bacolod City.

Panaad sa Negros Festival boasts of many exciting events such as shows and concerts agri-trade fairs and exhibits, food parks, tourism activities, and eco-garden show. It is also an equitable space for stakeholders of the province, particularly fisher folks, farmers, agricultural entrepreneurs, indigenous people, and the youth. In addition, a few of its foremost areas of advocacy are organic farming and responsible solid waste management.

Date and Location

The first post-pandemic Panaad Festival, with the theme "The Promise Renewed," will take place from April 17–23, 2023. Governor Eugenio "Bong" Lacson stated during the festival's launch that it will honor the province's fortitude, tenacity, hope, and faith in the face of the hardships that everyone endured following three years of the pandemic and natural disasters, including flooding in the northern Negros Occidental and Typhoon Odette's devastation in the south.

Best of Festival Dances

Best of Festival Dances is a competition among cities and municipalities in a showdown featuring the cultural dances from their respective festivals. It is an opportunity to present the best from their local celebrations every year, giving a tribute to their unique cultural identities and reaping awards for being the best dance contingent of the year.

Themed pavilions

Themed pavilions are permanent exhibition area for the participating cities and municipalities. They are located in Panaad Sports and Recreational Park in Mansilingan, Bacolod City. The present venue was originally constructed as sports complex for the Palarong Pambansa in 1998, and it is now the location of pavilions belonging to different participating cities and municipalities. These pavilions are like snapshots of the city or municipality, giving visitors a quick glance into its arts and crafts, cuisine, culture, business, history, livelihood, products, and tourist spots. It is a Negros Occidental’s version of Nayong Pilipino.

MassKara Festival

 MassKara Festival in the Philippines

    One of the largest celebrations in the Philippines is the MassKara Festival held in Bacolod City. Unbelievably, for more than 30 years, the festival has allowed both domestic and foreign guests to enjoy themselves, enjoy a drink, and party on Bacolod's streets.

The MassKara Festival was formed out of a crisis and dates back to the 1980s. This was the period when alternatives entered the market and drove the price of sugar, the province's primary source of income, to an all-time low. This led to one of the greatest famines in the nation's history, which is estimated to have affected a million people. It was also the period of a catastrophic ferry disaster that largely included residents of the province, including members of well-known Bacolod families.

The MassKara Festival was established with the intention of cheering up the community and restoring smiles to the faces of its residents. The residents of Bacolod City made a statement with their happy masks: they will overcome the difficulties and tragedies they are suffering. Under the direction of Rodney Martinez, the Arts Association of Bacolod-Negros held workshops in the Negros area where they taught the locals how to create masks out of paper mâché and coconut husks.

These masks weren't initially intended for a festival that they had not yet conceived; rather, they were made just to sell to tourists and make money. The vibrant masks made by the locals were allegedly intended to draw attention from international tourists and serve as a trademark memento of the area.

The Unique and Captivating Masked Designs

At MassKara Festival, masks are more than simply accessories—they are an art form, and this is a distinguishing feature. You'll be astounded by the inventiveness on exhibit as each mask narrates a tale.

Masks fashioned of various materials, including paper mache, coconut husks, beads, feathers, and sequins, are on display throughout the celebration. There was even a mannequin in the hotel where I was staying, decked out in a colorful mask and headpiece.

The smiling faces adorning the masks represent the hope and resiliency of the Bacolod people, who have persevered through several hardships and tragedies in the past.

Costumes Made

An elaborate and colorful costume worn at the annual MassKara Festival in Bacolod City, Philippines, is known as a masskara festival costume. A headpiece, mask, and full-body suit are usually included in the costume, all of which are embellished with beads, sequins, and other materials.

The event's bright atmosphere and ability to draw visitors from both domestic and foreign countries are greatly enhanced by the costumes worn during the Masskara festival. They have come to symbolize the perseverance and joy of the Filipino people and have come to symbolize Bacolod. The event was first established in the 1980s in an effort to improve people's spirits following a string of catastrophic disasters.

Sinulog

 Sinulog Festival in the Philippines

    Every year on the third Sunday of January, Cebu City, Philippines hosts the big celebration known as the Sinulog Festival. The celebration honors the Santo Niño, or Child Jesus, and is joyous and colorful. This event, which honors the pre-colonial history of the Philippines and represents the introduction of Christianity there, is a combination of pagan and Christian customs.

The Sinulog Festival's highlights and key attractions are definitely something to see. With participants donning extravagant costumes and dancing to the rhythm of traditional music, the grand procession is a feast of colors.

Another important feature of the festival is street dance, when groups travel the festival circuit doing choreographed routines. The religious rituals, such as the Santo Niño river procession and solemn procession, highlight the Filipino people's enduring faith.

Not to be overlooked are the cultural performances, which offer an opportunity to fully experience Cebu's rich legacy and artistic abilities.

When and Where is the Sinulog Festival Held?

Every year on the third Sunday of January, Cebu City, Philippines, hosts the Sinulog Festival. There are various ways for you to travel to Cebu City. You can go to Mactan-Cebu International Airport by domestic flight if you're traveling from other regions of the Philippines. The city center is only a short drive away from there. You can also take a ferry from nearby islands like Bohol or Negros if you'd rather have a beautiful voyage. Private vehicles and buses are two more practical ways to get to Cebu City.

The Sinulog Festival is packed with exciting events and activities that will keep you entertained throughout your visit. Here are some of the main highlights:

Sinulog Launching Parade: This marks the official start of the festival, with a lively procession of floats, dancers, and musicians parading through the streets of Cebu City.

Sinulog Fluvial Procession: Witness the spectacular water parade as boats adorned with flowers and decorations carry the image of Santo Niño along the Mactan Channel.

Solemn Procession of Santo Niño: Join the devotees in a solemn march from the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño to the Cebu City Sports Center, following the image of Santo Niño.

Sinulog Grand Parade: This is the highlight of the festival, where thousands of participants from different contingents showcase their vibrant sinulog festival costumes and perform choreographed dances to the beat of drums and music.

Sinulog Fireworks Display: As night falls, be amazed by the stunning display of lights and pyrotechnics that illuminate the sky over Cebu City.

Sinulog Cultural Shows: Immerse yourself in the rich culture and arts of Cebu through various performances of music, dance, theater, and art.

Costumes Made

Participants in the well-known Sinulog Festival in the Philippines are dressed in colorful and elaborate costumes known as sinulog festival costumes. It usually includes a complex headgear, a vibrant tunic, and a belt with detailed designs that combine Spanish and indigenous elements.

The Sinulog festival costume is significant culturally because it honors the Santo Nio, or Child Jesus, and celebrates the lengthy history of the nation. It evokes a sense of pride and devotion since it is embellished with symbols and themes that represent Filipino ancestry and religious beliefs. Notably, the unique aesthetics of the clothing were influenced by Spanish culture introduced during the colonial era.

Dinagyang

Dinagyang Festival in the Philippines

    Dinagyang Festival is an annual festival in Iloilo City, Philippines, held on the fourth Sunday of January. It honors the Santo Niño and recalls the advent of Malay immigrants in Panay.

Dinagyang Festival is unique in that it turns Iloilo City into a center of celebration with its vibrant parades, exuberant street dance, and intricate costumes. Dinagyang, which has its roots in the Ati-Atihan Festival, has developed into a significant religious and cultural event. Participants paint their bodies black to imitate the Atis, the indigenous people of Panay. They are dressed in elaborate traditional garb.

Travelers from all over the world attend the festival, which features a number of activities like religious processions, dancing competitions, and cultural performances. At this famous fiesta, both locals and tourists alike experience the rhythms of drum ensembles, take in the vibrant performances, and savor the regional cuisine, all while promoting a sense of community and cultural pride.

Dinagyang Festival Place Of Origin And History

The Dinagyang Festival was first held in 1967 and is based on the religious devotion to the Santo Niño, or the Child Jesus. Originally, the festival celebrated the arrival of a replica of the Santo Niño from Cebu to the San Jose de Placer Parish. However, over the years, it has changed, incorporating aspects of the Ati-Atihan Festival and becoming a cultural extravaganza honoring the indigenous Ati people and their way of life. From a modest parish celebration, it has grown into a grand city-wide celebration that was officially announced by the Iloilo City Government in 1977.

Costume Made

The intricate designs of the Dinagyang costumes are adorned with a variety of colorful fabrics, beadwork, feathers, and other embellishments. These designs often incorporate elements of Iloilo’s history and culture, such as the traditional patterns and motifs of the Ati-Atihan, the indigenous people of Panay Island, where Iloilo City is located.

A dinagyang festival costume is a customary attire worn by artists participating in the annual Dinagyang Festival, a colorful cultural event that takes place in Iloilo City, Philippines. The celebration would not be the same without these costumes, which highlight the rich artistic heritage of the area.

Dancers and musicians dress elaborately during the festival, drawing inspiration from local folklore and indigenous traditions. The elaborate beadwork, feathers, and brilliant patterns on the outfits symbolize the lively culture of Iloilo. They represent the community's pride in its cultural identity and are not only visually stunning.

This essay explores the cultural significance, symbolism, and minute aspects of the dinagyang festival attire, exploring how it contributes to tradition preservation and communal cohesion.

 

 

Ati-Atihan

Ati-atihan Festival in the Philippines

     The Ati-atihan Festival is considered the mother of all festivals in the Philippines. This festival is notable since it is both national and the oldest, having been held for 1200 years. 

   

But what precisely is the Ati-Atihan Festival? Here is the explanation.

Ati-atihan means "to be like Aetas." According to history, Aetas was a previous resident of Panay Island in Aklan Province. It all began with one of the chiefs and his family attempting to make it from Malay to Panay islands. They then purchased the lowlands from the residents of Aetas in exchange for cloth, gold salakot, and brass basins.

 

In some variations, this event commemorates the new partnership between the two parties. People will wear black cosmetics as a show of respect for the host. Despite several variants, the celebration is held annually as a tribute to landowners. 

          Time and Location of Ati-atihan 

The Ati-Atihan Festival is a vibrant and colorful celebration in the Philippines that honors the Santo Niño. This lively festival takes place in Kalibo, Aklan, every third week of January and is a must-visit for anyone seeking an unforgettable cultural experience. 

 

The Ati-atihan festival is always held in January each year. The festival's climax will take place on the third Sunday in January in Kalibo, Aklan. The event honors Saint Niño, in addition to the popular stories.

 

In addition to Kalibo, numerous communities in Aklan commemorate this event with a variety of costumes. Traditional music adds to the festive atmosphere.

 

Costumes Made  

 

The "Ati-Atihan festival costume" refers to the colorful and ornate costumes worn by participants at the annual Ati-Atihan Festival, a well-known cultural event in the Philippines.

These outfits, embellished with brilliant beads, feathers, and indigenous themes, represent the festival's rich past and honor the indigenous Ati people. They serve as a lively show of cultural pride, providing a sense of belonging and connection.

With growing global popularity, the Ati-Atihan festival and its costumes have become as a popular tourist destination, highlighting the Philippines' broad and vibrant past. This article looks into the detailed elements of these intriguing garments, looking at their cultural importance, historical history, and modern interpretations.