The Festival Country
Iloilo, has been recognized as the Philippines' Festival Region. Here, there is an evolution of cultural dances and music from the pre-colonization period to the hispanic era. Most of the festivals are ethnic dances offered to the Patron Saints of each municiality, or the history of the town itself, and the traditions beings passed to generations.
Dinagyang
The streets of the ancient city, filled with spectacular colors and music, blooms with excitement and extravagance. Faces of angry warriors and smiles of local maidens fill the atmospehere with a clash of emotions.
Carabao-Carroza Race(every May), Pavia, Iloilo; a race among colorful clothed carabaos pulling artistically decorated carrozas. Here is an evolution of a race, which is rather a parade, since beauty and color cascade through the course. It is not the essence of winning that amuses the spectators, its the fun and beauty that takes over the race.
Hinugyaw (every last Sunday of January), Calinog, Iloilo; Hinugyaw simply means "Merrymaking" like any other ilonggo festivals, people from different places witness the colorful explosion of happiness in Calinog's version of Dinagyang.
Tultugan, Maasin, Iloilo; is a tribute to one of the trees of life, the bamboo grass. Dancers perform wearing clothes made of Bamboo. They tell Maasin's history and how Bamboo contribute to its thriving existence.. Different objects and furnitures are being featured in the parade as well.
Pasungay (2nd Saturday of January) - Who says only Spain has bullfights? San Joaquin has it's version of this fesitivity too... Here, two bulls are placed on an arena to perform the dance of death... But no one dies in the end, the performance is just for the Spectator's amusement.
Sadsad sa Kalye(Lanot Festival), Janiuay, Iloilo- If Tultugan has Bamboo, then Lanot has... Lanot! Lanot is a type of grass used to make woven ricebowls, bedsheets and baskets. And Janiuay is the place where Lanot is abound. Janiuay's name came from Oway. Oway is the other word for Lanot. During the festival, people dance in the streets celebrating their well loved town's foundation day.
Paraw Regatta, Iloilo Strait; During this festival the dark gray sand beaches of Iloilo comes to life as spectators witness the anual race of colorful Paraws from Iloilo City to Guimaras Island. The Festival is also matched with the Porma Balas event where people make sand figures in the beaches of the City.
Pandayan, Badiangan; tells the rich culture and fertility of the town.
Salakayan, Miagao; speaks of Miagaoanons' bravery against invaders. The town of Miagao, which was being attacked by the moors centuries ago suffered many deaths and sufferings... The Fortress church whicj was built on Takas hill serves as the People's watch tower and protective structure against the invading moors. Miagaoanon men fought the invaders even if it would take their lives away... Today the people of Miagao commemmorate their ancestors courage against their enemies.
Tinuom Festival Cabatuan, Iloilo; Tinuom.. Yes... a savoury Cabatuananon delicacy which might give your tastebud a perfect satisfaction. Not only the Festival celebrates its tasty Tinuom, but it also showcases the History of Cabatuan; the three theories of where its name originated; the fall of the town, as the last defense of Western Visayas during World War II and some of the legends and myths that molded the town into perfection.
Kasadyahan, Iloilo City; Before Dinagyang, There is Kasadyahan, Different tribes from all over the province partcipate in this annual celebration. The Tultugan Dancers of Maasin, The Pintados Tribesmen of Passi, The Hirinugyaw merrymakers of Cabatuan, the Swordfighters of Kahilwayan and others compete to bring home the Kasadyahan title.
Binanog, Lambunao; reflect the origin of Binanog dance that has been part of the town's culture
Pintados de Passi; Passi City- Here tattoed men, believed to have dominated the early days of Passi dance featuring supernatural traditions and beliefs.
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