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32 Cebu Festivals Feasible of Knowing

2014-10-25T16:16:06+08:00 October 25th, 2014Virtual Guides

[nextpage title=”32 Cebu Festivals Feasible of Knowing”]Cebu is a haven of festivity. The festive mood of the province represents the vibrancy and the true spirit of the devotees whose faith have been anchored to century-old beliefs. Being the melting pot of cultural diversity, the colorful and enticing Cebu Festivals are jovial to participate, witness and indulge with because these happenings are more than just enlightening. These festivals are so called handed-over traditions from Spanish religious practices and the reflection of abundance in a locality. However, most fiestas are celebrated among patron saints. It is even more captivating when you are a proud witness of the enactment and display of such wonder where people around the globe love to keep an eye on. Cherish and experience the blend and the beat. Life is a celebration and a blowout itself. Decorate it with involvement of these cultural events where the sound of the drums and cheers become music, movement becomes a dance, smile becomes laughter, mind becomes meditation, and life becomes a splendid celebration.

Here are the festivals in Cebu you can look forward to all year round! Wander through the crowd and take in the beautiful scenery while constantly updating your social media feed. Enjoy and dance to the beat.

1) Sinulog Festival (3rd Sunday January, Cebu City)

Sinulog Festival

Sinulog is conferred as one of the grandest, festive, distinguished and famed festival in the country and around the globe. It is the biggest and showiest fiesta for the Cebuanos. This is one of the queen city’s major feasts in honor of Sr. Santo Nino. The event features diversity of eye-inspiring displays of the ceremony, pageantry, spectacular street dancing, cultural shows, battle of bands, historical exhibits and the influx of partying tourists and festivity makers flooding the hotels for a pleasurable stay.

This cultural event as said has been commercialized as a tourist attraction for Cebu City as contenders from different regions contend for the prestigious contest. Celebrated every 3rd Sunday of January, the event is the most popular to beat. Fiesta Senyor, as it is widely known, is the most celebrated among Cebu’s festival where people converge along the routes of a grand solemn procession and partake in the gaiety amidst a mardi gras parade immersed in with colors and the constant beating of drums. Even the scorching heat or the rain could not defer the Sinulog beat from moving on. A joyful task it is. Expect a marathon of fun and a terrific hoopla every corner of the city. Hala bira! Experience something ecstatic to share and relive. Viva Cebu!

Editor’s Note: To view other Festivals in Cebu on this list, simply browse through the page numbers below.
[/nextpage][nextpage title=”Tagbo Festival (January 19th, Poro Camotes Island)”]

2) Tagbo Festival (January 19th, Poro Camotes Island)

Tagbo Festival

This festival is celebrated in the month of January and it is observed to honor the Santo Nino de Poro (the patron saint). The inhabitants embraced deeply the significance of this festival as it highlights the birth of the town. The Tagbo Festival falls on the 19th month of January in honor the Santo Nino de Poro their patron saint. The origins of the Tagbo Festival are described by a local legend. The word “tagbo” actually means to meet, and the Tagbo Festival commemorates the day when two warring tribes met to resolve their differences and decided to build a town together at the meeting place.

Basically the festive activity is rooted on the history of the place and how it was transformed. A Tribal act as we say or a cultural show decorated with colors and beautiful people. The inhabitants of this island have preserved the natural beauty of this island, and a visit to this island would enliven your stay in Cebu. It can also be said that the scenic beauty of this island is worth a photograph. Gadget wise, it could be more awesome to have these things with you to capture what captivates your mind of this blissful festival.

Editor’s Note: To view other Festivals in Cebu on this list, simply browse through the page numbers below.
[/nextpage][nextpage title=”Silmugi Festival (January 20th, Borbon, Cebu)”]

3) Silmugi Festival (January 20th, Borbon, Cebu)

Silmugi Festival

What you sow is what you reap. Borbon takes pride on their cultural and historical inheritance. The festival is all about traditional prayers for a bountiful harvest. One of the significance of the said celebration is giving thanks and reverence to the Almighty God for giving them the Simulgi River that played a vital part in the development of trade and industry in the province and also in honor to the patron saint, St. Sebastian Martyr.

Merrymaking is laid out as dancing on the streets armed with colorful apparels reflecting the culture of Borbon which is of course the limelight of the festivity participated by different barangays of the neighborhood. Expect an array of delicacies of puto cheese and budbud which credited for their fame and national recognition. Seemingly, the locality presented their faith and say their silent prayers through this devotional dance. Never miss the joy and pun as Simulgi Festival makes its run. The festival is an added attraction for the glamour of the northern towns of Cebu promoting tourism and economical enhancement. Faith and prosperity combined.

Editor’s Note: To view other Festivals in Cebu on this list, simply browse through the page numbers below.
[/nextpage][nextpage title=”Budbod Festival (February 10th , Catmon, Cebu)”]

4) Budbod Festival (February 10th , Catmon, Cebu)

Budbod Festival

NOT many Cebuanos know that budbud kabog originated in Catmon, northern Cebu, and that makers of budbud kabog in other places are relatives of Catmon natives. Commonly referred to as “kabog” in the municipality is a small-seeded cereal plant known as millet in other countries. Now this adds up to the core limelight of the town as this town is in the big stage of festivity. The festival commemorates and celebrates the process of making this delicacy. The exploit of this activity, the festival growth has been commended by the multitude and been encouraged to compete with other festivals of the province.

Budbod Kabog is one of the specialty products that can only be tasted in Catmon Cebu. The event showcases also the camaraderie of the town people in honor of the patron San Guillermo de Aquitania. The Budbod Kabog Festival is a festival showcasing the whole process of producing the delicious specialty. Catmon say’s c’mon and try something new and that would be great. Discover something anciently tasty in Catmon, Cebu and these awesome dance steps too.

Editor’s Note: To view other Festivals in Cebu on this list, simply browse through the page numbers below.
[/nextpage][nextpage title=”The Governor’s Cup Horse Show and Competition (February- movable, Mandaue)”]

5) The Governor’s Cup Horse Show and Competition (February- movable, Mandaue)

The Governor`s Cup Horse Show and Competition Festival

This event is sport tourism category organized by the Cebu Equine Owners, Breeders and Sportsmen Association (CEOBSA) which promotes this vivacious event for economical awareness, agricultural, industrial and ecotourism of the province. This event showcases horse show and competition/racing with the aim of eventually bringing in international contenders. Top cowboys from all over the country will converge in the Queen City grounds for this prestigious festivity exhibiting their spectacular horse riding skills and art. The goal is to raise the level of awareness through lovely creatures that reflects economical balance and progress. You’ll be amazed once you see the parade of these exquisitely charming horses and their riders also.

Editor’s Note: To view other Festivals in Cebu on this list, simply browse through the page numbers below.
[/nextpage][nextpage title=”Utanon Festival (February 9th-10th, Dalaguete)”]

6) Utanon Festival (February 9th-10th, Dalaguete)

Utanon Festival

“A cooperative spirit enjoys a better harvest.”

Welcome to Dalaguete. It is a town dubbed as the vegetable basket of the province. The town is also indulged in its festive mood, the Utanon Festival which is held every 9th and 10th of February signifying a celebration of good harvest through dance and music of course with their crops along. Dalaguete has been a remarkable feature to the local economy due to its vast contribution and its role in cultural diversity. The festival shall focus on the concept of the people’s cultural practices of religious worship as thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. It shall become a marketing tool for the promotion of our vegetable industry and gives emphasis that vegetable farming is a sustainable source of livelihood. In addition to the religious aspect, it aims to promote the vegetable industry and gives emphasis on vegetable farming as a sustainable source of livelihood. The highlight of the celebration is the street dancing and showdown competition. Music and dance are used to showcase Dalaguete’s high value crops and vegetables as a major form of trade.

To the people of Dalaguete, the Utanon Festival is a celebration of music and dance featuring Dalaguete’s valued vegetable crops that contribute greatly to the dynamism of the local economy. The festival is also a way of giving thanks to Señor San Guillermo for all the blessing that God bestowed on the people of Dalaguete through his intercession. These economical contributions are coupled with Dalaguete’s reputation as a town oozing with music and throbbing with world-class musicians — a manifestation of the town’s rich cultural heritage. A healthy cultural show for the people. Get involved as these golden crops amaze your stay. Come explore Dalaguete and join the locals in celebrating good harvest through dance and music.

Editor’s Note: To view other Festivals in Cebu on this list, simply browse through the page numbers below.
[/nextpage][nextpage title=”Sarok Festival (February 4th, Consolacion)”]

7) Sarok Festival (February 4th, Consolacion)

Sarok Festival

Sarok Festival is a mardi gras held every 14th day of February. This is to highlight the “Adlaw sa Consolacion” celebration. The dancers use “sarok” while dancing to the tune of Miligoy de Cebu, a song that originated in Consolacion. The contenders for the event wear attractive costumes that fit for the kind of presentation of their choice. The sarok used as main props comes in various designs, which enhance one’s sense of imagination. Presentations are judged according to performance, choreography and costume.

The term “sarok” comes from a kind of hat made of bamboo strips and dried banana leaves. Sarok making used to the main source of livelihood of the town folks especially these living in Barangay Tulotulo. From then on, the Sarok festival has already become one of the most awaited celebrations of the year for the people of Consolacion. Moreover, the festival has been very successful every year and more people from the other parts of Cebu were encouraged to witness the very prestigious festival of Consolacion. Sarok Festival has become a way of promoting the culture and the beautiful town of Consolacion. The uniqueness of their props and the steps they manifest truly mesmerize your watching. This is another way of showcasing how Filipinos indulge in such a kind of devotion from an instrument so vital for their culture.

Editor’s Note: To view other Festivals in Cebu on this list, simply browse through the page numbers below.
[/nextpage][nextpage title=”Hinatdan Festival (2nd week March, Ginatilan)”]

8) Hinatdan Festival (2nd week March, Ginatilan)

Hinatdan Festival

Hinatdan means the act of sending, since the name is taken from the old Cebuano word of Hatod. It refers to the history of Ginatilan as a barrio where a Spanish priest once stayed. The priest often asked for supplies and materials to be sent to the barrio, and that was how Ginatilan was referred to as Hinatdan. In time, it evolved to Ginatilan from Hinatdan. The festival celebrates the past and the present of the city. Street dancing of course is the highlight of the celebration filled with colorful suites and untiring smiles of participants.

Hinatdan Festival is the town’s official cultural event in honor of its patron saint, St. Gregory the Great. In the making of a cultural festival of Ginatilan nowadays, “Hinatdan” was perfectly chosen as the name of the festival because of its historical and religious significance. “Hinatdan” can be considered as the general term, an act of progress and development. “Hinatdan” is an act of good service to God and to the Community. It is a festival of history, a festival of arts and culture of Ginatilanon and a festival of life. For a festival of life and thanksgiving, give way for this wonderful town. The festivity inspires and encourages the town folks to work harder and do things for the best in life, so that the fruits of their labor and dedication can be sent to the community and for them to cherish and be proud of. So they celebrate and rejuvenate for their hard work is well paid because of their deep faith and astounding devotion.

Editor’s Note: To view other Festivals in Cebu on this list, simply browse through the page numbers below.
[/nextpage][nextpage title=”Soli Soli Festival (March 8th, San Francisco, Camotes)”]

9) Soli Soli Festival (March 8th, San Francisco, Camotes)

Soli Soli Festival

Named after the Soli-Soli plant which abounds around Lake Danao, used for mat weaving, bags, hats and other handicrafts. Soli-Soli features freestyle street dancing competition using soli-soli plant as its dominant material. The festival adds color to the feast of St. Joseph the Worker.

This is one strategic celebration to entice more tourists and visitors or draw more investors and internal attention. The festivity brings about a total enjoyment for the folks as it promotes its cultural heritage also.

Though Sinulog-inspired, the street dancing and rituals are based on storylines on the arrival of St. Joseph’s image in San Francisco, the town’s Christianization and the legend of Lake Danao. Basically, this jovial activity is a tribute to the soli-soli plant, which is a source of livelihood for the locals. Paying the town’s respects and thanksgiving to their patron is portrayed through their colorful street dancing. Onlookers are graced with many contingents who vie for the free-style street dancing interpretation. Be one of them and judge by your heart how well they perform.

Editor’s Note: To view other Festivals in Cebu on this list, simply browse through the page numbers below.
[/nextpage][nextpage title=”Tostado Festival (3rd Sunday of April, Santander)”]

10) Tostado Festival (3rd Sunday of April, Santander)

Tostado Festival

Santander is popular for its Annual Tostado Festival where they showcase their famous “Tostado” and other delicacies. Tostado is a home baked cookie which added fame and glory to the town, hence a delicacy for a lifetime. The event renders honor and tribute to this delicacy that has made Santander known to the horizon.

The festival focuses on the town’s famous delicacy, the “tostado”. The street dancing which is the highlight of the festivity uses the different movements of making a tostado in the dance participated in by the different barangays. The town’s fiesta is also in honor of their patron, St. Gabriel. The festival is meant to promote the tostado industry of the town to other places.

This festival manifests also the town’s people unique identity and well-rooted culture and tradition. It gives pride to the people and the stage to showcase who they are and what they are capable of. It is also said this joyful undertaking serves as the world’s window to Santander. Be willful to take a glance as this window also magnifies your passion and idealism about how people can reach out in any means they can just to show how good and beautiful they are, in this kind of aspect. A blaze of Glory, Santander.

Editor’s Note: To view other Festivals in Cebu on this list, simply browse through the page numbers below.
[/nextpage][nextpage title=”Kabanhawan Festival (Easter Sunday Minglanilla)”]

11) Kabanhawan Festival (Easter Sunday Minglanilla)

Kabanhawan Festival

In its devotion to the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection, the municipality of Minglanilla has long held the distinction of being the “Sugat Capital” of the south, a title which is defined in the celebration of the Sugat-Kabanhawan Festival. The event famed the town is it exhibits cute little angels portrayed by children flying on cables which makes the enactment so spectacular and incredibly fascinating.

Sugat is a big socio-religious event in Minglanilla, which attracts not only people from adjacent towns but also from other parts of the country or from other countries around the world. Tourists flock on the eve before Easter to make a wholesome rest before witnessing an Easter play. On Easter Sunday dawn, there will be mass celebration at the ground of Minglanilla Central School followed by a short dubbed drama showcasing the fight between the fallen angel represented as dark eagle and the God’s Servant Gabriel Archangel together with his comrades. A re-enactment of the ‘meeting’ of the risen Christ and his mother will be then followed after it.

Annually held every Easter Sunday, the occasion primarily focuses on “Sugat sa Minglanilla” – the reenactment of the meeting of the Risen Christ and the Sorrowful Mother – which is followed by a string of activities and events scheduled to take place throughout the day. It’s fun-filled and vivacious in Minglanilla on Easter day where people got rejuvenated from the commemoration of Christ’s rising and for the forgiveness of our sins through his blood. As one of the biggest annually-celebrated occasions of the municipality, the Sugat-Kabanhawan Festival takes a direct translation in celebrating Christ’s Resurrection, with street dancing, a wide assortment of day games, and entertainment features primed as an expression of true joy and happiness. These events are sponsored by the local government of Minglanilla and other private firms to make this festivity meaningful and successful.

Editor’s Note: To view other Festivals in Cebu on this list, simply browse through the page numbers below.
[/nextpage][nextpage title=”Kadaugan sa Mactan (April 22nd-27th, Lapu-Lapu City)”]

12) Kadaugan sa Mactan (April 22nd-27th, Lapu-Lapu City)

Kadaugan sa Mactan

Relieving an ancient battle is a commemoration worthy of seeing. This is a famed attraction of the city drawing crowds and tourists in multitude. This festival is mostly celebrated on the 27th of April with much grandeur and pageantry. This festival grants the Cebuano people a good opportunity to re-visit the days of Mactan Battle between Magellan and Lapu-Lapu and also to celebrate their history and events. This is a very significant re-enactment because it implies and asserts the sovereignty of the common people against foreign intrusion. It is a week-long observance because the festival features an array of exciting activities, street parties and events thereafter.

What makes it more astounding is that the event usually gets high profile individuals and celebrities to play the role of Lapu-Lapu, Bulakna (Lapu-Lapu’s wife), and Magellan. What a promising cast which the people are eager to see. Every year, a new presentation is shown but with the same storyline is followed or based. Usually the presentations of the musical are held at the Mactan Shrine at Punta Engano. Long live the Filipinos for the bravery. Get the chance to re-live that spirit of valor.

Editor’s Note: To view other Festivals in Cebu on this list, simply browse through the page numbers below.
[/nextpage][nextpage title=”Mantawi Festival (May 7th, Mandaue City)”]

13) Mantawi Festival (May 7th, Mandaue City)

Mantawi Festival

The festival is a symbol of Mandaue City’s history. Its historical past affirms its present identity as a highly urbanized industrial center and a new tourism destination where arts and culture become tools for progress and prosperity. The highlight of the festival is a parade of street dancers and dioramas showcasing the history and culture. The celebration is all about heritage and its superb impact to the state of Mandaue nowadays.

The local government of Mandaue conceptualized the Mantawi festival in 2002 to commemorate the historical value and economic significance of the founding of Mandaue to the history of the province of Cebu. A parade of dolls made from papier-maché or “higantes” was also a highlight. About three meters in height, the dolls depicted Mandaue’s famous sons and daughters whose lives and works have given pride and dignity to the city. Historically, Mandaue got its name from thick, clinging vines known as “mantawi” which were abundant in the early times, even before the coming of the Spanish conquestadores.

Editor’s Note: To view other Festivals in Cebu on this list, simply browse through the page numbers below.
[/nextpage][nextpage title=”Pintos Festival (May 26th-27th, Bogo City)”]

14) Pintos Festival (May 26th-27th, Bogo City)

Pintos Festival

Pintos Festival, which highlights their delicious Pintos delicacy, has become a fixture in the annual fiesta celebration of the city in honor of their patron St. In this fiesta, many pilgrims around the world will come to venerate the patron. Vicente Ferrer. ‘Kuyayang’ is a courtship dance of the Bogohanons that is staged before the community during fiestas.

This street mardi gras as a cultural tourism festival of Bogo manifests the cultural heritage of the town and serves as an avenue for cultural conservancy of the city. This sweet delicacy has promoted the city into its stardom and reaching out the fame through Pintos Festival. The gaiety depicts the planting of corn as Bogo’s flat lands are deeply devoted to agriculture. Pintos Festival is the official festival of Bogo, joining other cities and municipalities in Cebu in displaying the colorful culture of Cebuanos. Pintos makes Northern Cebu even more sweeter. A good taste that would be.

Editor’s Note: To view other Festivals in Cebu on this list, simply browse through the page numbers below.
[/nextpage][nextpage title=”Tartanilla Festival (June 12th, Cebu City)”]

15) Tartanilla Festival (June 12th, Cebu City)

Tartanilla Festival

Tartanilla Festival is held in Cebu City and is a horse- drawn carriage heritage by reviving the oldest mode of transportation so called calesa which they used for travelling around the city’s streets. The highlights of this festival include the parade tartanillas, a horse racing competition, tartanilla decoration competition, a bazaar and flea market. The Tartanilla is a festival that reflects the Filipino culture and its love for history. The said festival is one manner of preserving this prestige-rich history and culture of Cebu. Dubbed as antique mode of transportation, tartanillas are still roaming around the streets of the Queen City. On the event you will have a tasteful shot of seeing the beautifully decorated tartanillas driven by awesome kutseros.

By remembering their culture and history and celebrating them, it tells a lot about the passion that the Filipinos have in store of. Such an event that coincides with the momentous Independence Day will be celebrated in a glorious fashion, one that should not be missed. But having the golden chance of riding these tartanillas is a memorable and meaningful experience. Don’t try to miss them as they are transportations too of happiness, glee and honor. Hiya!

Editor’s Note: To view other Festivals in Cebu on this list, simply browse through the page numbers below.
[/nextpage][nextpage title=”Kinsan Festival (June-movable, Aloguinsan)”]

16) Kinsan Festival (June-movable, Aloguinsan)

Kinsan Fistival

Kinsan Festival is an artistic reminder of how Aloguinsan got its name, from “ulo sa Kinsan.” Kinsan is a kind of fish abundant in the southwestern town. Kinsan is the name of the town’s favorite fish that abounds in the town’s coastal area every June. It is relatively big fish, with a foot-long Kinsan, weighing about three kilos considered small.

Kinsan festival paves way for the local government of Aloguinsan to promote this kind of fish in the food industry. It also highlights the awareness of knowledge and importance of the town’s agricultural and natural reserves, which the town folks can avail for economic opportunities. The festival showcases local talents performing original dance steps in this street dancing competition and ritual showdown. The colorful costumes and movements imitate the movements of the fish and how folks live life in everyday basis. Because of Kinsan, a Kudos to Aloguinsan. Be there!

Editor’s Note: To view other Festivals in Cebu on this list, simply browse through the page numbers below.
[/nextpage][nextpage title=”Palawod Festival (Last week of June, Bantayan Island)”]

17) Palawod Festival (Last week of June, Bantayan Island)

Palawod Festival

Bantayan Island is haven with a gifted sea. Palawod is a term for the fishermen’s routine endeavor. Palawod is a Cebuano term which means to go out to see to fish. It emphasizes the fisherman’s daily toil, means their source of income, their life & pride. he highlights of this festival is through a street dancing which captures and preserves the Bantayanon’s unique traditional fishing rituals inherent to this island through a dance movement. It is also a colorful festival in this historic island and considered as a cultural hub of the country, the Cebu Province. It is a thanksgiving for a bounteous catch for the local sea toilers. The street dancing and ritual showdown competitions are performed with the four basic steps: Sulo (Torch), Bugsay (Paddle), Silik (Fins) and Isda (Fish). Touted as one of the most colorful and world-class festivals of Cebu, the Palawod depicts the unique fishing traditions of Bantayan. What a glorious festival in Bantayan. Life is really awesome there.

Editor’s Note: To view other Festivals in Cebu on this list, simply browse through the page numbers below.
[/nextpage][nextpage title=”Kaumahan Festival (July 25th, Barili)”]

18) Kaumahan Festival (July 25th, Barili)

Kaumahan Festival

The town of Barili takes center stage when showcasing their agricultural products through Kaumahan Festival celebration. It not only adds pride to the town, but also glamour and honor for the people who perspire to gain for the betterment of living and credit for their place. The festival’s theme is all about thanksgiving from the people for a rich harvest and a gifted soil for the crops, thus making the town as one of the top agricultural destinations of the country.

The celebration is wrapped with joviality and gladness from the people, contenders of the competition and for the onlookers on the streets of Barili. For their well jobs done, a glee it is for Kaumahan. The town folks earn to deserve the merrymaking because of their hard work and exhibited through a simple dance step, but instilled with an overwhelming significance. Experience jollity through this festival and patronize their natural products as they are.

Editor’s Note: To view other Festivals in Cebu on this list, simply browse through the page numbers below.
[/nextpage][nextpage title=”Dinagat Bakasi Festival (2nd week of August, Cordova)”]

19) Dinagat Bakasi Festival (2nd week of August, Cordova)

Dinagat Bakasi Festival

This festival is based on the town’s pride, the famous Bakasi, an exotic yet tasty eel which is abundant in the place. The festival is showcasing the livelihood and fishing culture of the Cordovanhons which is abundant of rich marine resources and pride for Cordova eel of Bakasi. Perfectly celebrating the bounties of the sea, this festivity also aims to promote awareness of the marine habitat.

The annual Festival is celebrated in time of the fiesta in honor of the town’s Patron Saint. Sr. San Roque. It is a thanksgiving to the sea for the abundance of its marine resources especially to the trademark and pride for Cordova, the eel of Bakasi. More enticingly, the dance steps mimic the movement of the eel. Other related activities fun to watch include a Bakasi race and cooking contest to show off the many ways in preparing Bakasi which is the main livelihood of the people. An eel-ectrifying bliss for the town people and the visitors too.

Editor’s Note: To view other Festivals in Cebu on this list, simply browse through the page numbers below.
[/nextpage][nextpage title=”Bonga Festival (August 9th, Sibonga)”]

20) Bonga Festival (August 9th, Sibonga)

Bonga Festival

The municipality of Sibonga stages the Bonga Festival every Aug. 9 as one of the major highlights of the town’s fiesta celebration in honor of their patron saints, Our Lady of Pilar and Santa Filomena. Bonga Festival is a form of thanksgiving for all the blessings and graces Sibonganhons received from Sta. Filomena and Our Lady of Pilar especially for the abundant fruits found in the town. “Bunga” is a Cebuano word, which means fruit in English.

As a manner of celebrating the bounty, the town folks perform the dance with vibrant costumes combined with a creative dance step with chants that highlight their colorful past while winding along the streets of the town in time with the thunderous rhythm of drums and other instruments. You will be amazed with the explosion of colors and awesome performers. From that fruit pride is where their town got its name. It is a festivity of dance and music. Experience the ritual show down and be a part-time judge for the competition.

Editor’s Note: To view other Festivals in Cebu on this list, simply browse through the page numbers below.
[/nextpage][nextpage title=”Siloy sa Alcoy (Last Saturday of August, Alcoy)”]

21) Siloy sa Alcoy (Last Saturday of August, Alcoy)

Siloy festival

The municipality of Alcoy in the Southeastern part of the province of Cebu is home to the Mag-abo Forest where resides the Black Shama or Siloy, a type of bird that sings a very soothing melody. The festival in its name is held on the feast day of Sta. Rosa de Lima, whose intercession is invoked by the residents to protect Alcoy’s eco-tourism program.

The festival promotes the natural legacy of the municipality. It’s a total excitement and feeling of great enthusiasm to witness the event in their grounds where participants are dressed up like the Shama. As the song goes, Siloy can ease up your worries as it seems magical and therapeutic by faith. These lovely creatures are prized possessions of the town which add to the aura and legacy of the place and the people dwelling. It would be a fun-filled adventure to experience the Siloy sa Alcoy Festival. Feeling like soaring high in awe and inspiration.

Editor’s Note: To view other Festivals in Cebu on this list, simply browse through the page numbers below.
[/nextpage][nextpage title=”Haladaya Festival (August 30th, Daanbantayan)”]

22) Haladaya Festival (August 30th, Daanbantayan)

Haladaya Festival

The municipality of Daanbantayan is staging the HALADAYA FESTIVAL every 30th of August. This is the major highlight of the town’s fiesta celebration, in honor of ST. ROSE OF LIMA, its patron saint. Haladaya Festival stages spectacular performance of competing contingents from public elementary and secondary schools students in their colorful ethnic inspired costumes as they show the intricate steps of the dance as they move along, chanting on the street with the clicking, rolling and the thunderous beat of the drums.

Basically, the term Haladaya means an offering to a chieftain. It is a celebration of victory over the Moro pirates. The festival showcases also the glorious past or history of the town exhibited through the colorful dances on the streets, chants of prayers and offerings. Be astonished because some of the big highlights in the festival are the Haladaya Festival Queen, Street dancing competition and the grand parade called Haladaya.

Editor’s Note: To view other Festivals in Cebu on this list, simply browse through the page numbers below.
[/nextpage][nextpage title=”Kabuhian Festival (3rd Sunday of September, Ronda)”]

23) Kabuhian Festival (3rd Sunday of September, Ronda)

Kabuhian Festival

The municipality of Ronda celebrates the Panginabuhi Festival which showcases the various livelihood programs among Rondahanons. “It is a celebration of hard work of the people in Ronda, in which they have shown their different sources of income. This is also a thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest. Sequence of activities fills the celebration the likes of trade fairs, livelihood forums, street dancing competition participated by neighboring barangays and of course the dance pattern based on the livelihood blue print of the town or the illustrates what kind of living the people are indulged in this wholesome place.

Editor’s Note: To view other Festivals in Cebu on this list, simply browse through the page numbers below.
[/nextpage][nextpage title=”Karansa Festival (3rd Sunday of September, Danao City)”]

24) Karansa Festival (3rd Sunday of September, Danao City)

Karansa Festival

The festival is honor to Sto. Thomas de Villanueva, the patron saint of Danao City. Karansa is Danao’s town joy where merrymaking and revelry is splendid. Simply, Karansa in Danao means to dance, be merry, and celebrate. Karansa is a dance festival that shows the joy and happiness through performing the four basic steps, the kikay, karag, kurug and kurahay.

It was called Karansa because the people of Brgy. Suba in Danao City, a known for Potters will gather and celebrates for a successful day of work through performing a dance. This is the pride of the Danawanons which contributes to its culture and heritage. All in a day’s work is worth the elation and gladness basically displayed in a dance and adapted now as its main highlight during its festivity. Tara na mag Karansa Na ta! (Come and Let’s Dance!).

Editor’s Note: To view other Festivals in Cebu on this list, simply browse through the page numbers below.
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25) La Torta Festival (September 29, Argao)

La Torta Festival

A delicacy of superior taste has made the southern town of Argao prominent. It is the Torta delicacy. The La Torta Festival replaced the Pitlagong Festival in 2011.

Similar to the previous festival, it is still a celebration of Argao’s cultural heritage. This time, however, it is focused more on the Spanish period tradition of making the torta, which is a popular sponge cake made in Argao. The people of Argao are so proud of this delicious food that they named the town’s festival as “La Torta Festival.” The new festival certainly brings more class and color to the yearly dance showdown sponsored by the province of Cebu. Argao will celebrate its Spanish inspired “La Torta Festival” every September 29 in honor of San Miguel Archangel. The delectable delicacy added credit to the history and culture of Argao. Street dance is one highlight of the festivity where the celebrated and greatly admired town treat, the special torta is exhibited. No one leaves in town without having to savor the specialty, or bring some for home. Visit the history-rich town and be enthralled by the town’s pride and be captivated with their festivity.

Editor’s Note: To view other Festivals in Cebu on this list, simply browse through the page numbers below.
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26) Sinanggiyaw Festival (October 4th, Dumanjug)

Sinangiyaw Festival

The Sinanggiyaw is held on the 4th of October in the town of Dumanjug, province of Cebu. It is indeed a festivity of the people based on planting and thanksgiving. You can see indigenous materials for costumes, accessories, props and sets for the event and the musical beat comes from the drums and bamboos. The street dance is focusing on three aspects, the planting, the harvesting and lastly, the thanksgiving to their patron for such a bountiful harvest.

The Sinanggiyaw festival will surely become a show window for tourism development in Dumanjug. This becomes one of the major highlights that will happen during fiesta celebration. Folks from the province of Cebu and from other place in the country start to look forward in seeing this unique and wonderful cultural festival every fiesta. The festival is all set to happen every October 4 of the year showing their lingering and valued efforts for showing good ways in art, cultural and tourism development in the municipality of Dumanjug. The Sinanggiyaw Festival is honor to their patron St. Francis of Assisi.

Editor’s Note: To view other Festivals in Cebu on this list, simply browse through the page numbers below.
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27) Halad Festival (October 14th to 15th, Talisay)

Halad Festival

The Halad festival is a traditional gesture of gratitude for the city of Talisay, Cebu on the day of its fiesta celebration. People from different skirts of the province flock to the place to dance, offer thanksgiving and joint the jovial activity in honor of Sta. Teresa de Avila. During the festival, they feature the most popular food called “INASAL” as translated as lechon or roasted.

The city comes alive with activities such as trade fairs, nightly variety shows, civic parade and street dancing. Cooking demonstrations & a food fair will also feature the city’s famous product, lechon, acclaimed to be one of the best in the country. It will be showcased in the parade. Talisay’s Halad-Inasal Festival on the 14th and 15th October is held in honor of the patroness, Sta. Theresa de Avila, showcasing the inasal in colorful and creative costumes.

Editor’s Note: To view other Festivals in Cebu on this list, simply browse through the page numbers below.
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28) Bolho Festival (2nd week of November, Boljoon)

Bolho Festival

The historic town of Boljoon in the Southern tip of Cebu is glimmering on its annual Bolho Festival in the occasion of their fiesta in honor of Nuestra Señora Patrocinio de Maria. This dance festival got its name from the origin of the town’s name, “bolho”, which refers to the water sprouting from the ground that can be found in several parts of the area. The clear water it brings forth is potable and has been used in household chores for many generations. The significance of the festival sprouts from an expression of happiness, optimism and positivism for which Boljoanons consider it as an ultimate tool to achieve every goal in life. Catch all the celebrations wrapped in this event. BOLHO Festival dancers include young pupils, students and out-of-school youth who cheerfully express the true meaning of the dance festival. Truly, BOLHO Festival is a pride of Boljoon.

Editor’s Note: To view other Festivals in Cebu on this list, simply browse through the page numbers below.
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29) Kabkaban Festival (4th week of November, Carcar)

Kabkaban Festival

Kabkaban festival is a religious fanfare in honor of the town’s St. Catherine of Alexandria and also combined with cultural catalogue of the town’s historical periods and industry like shoemaking, as well as their arts that is showcased through street dancing and parade. Kabkaban was first conceptualized as a yearly agro-industrial fair showcasing the products of Carcar. It is the local government’s contribution to add color to the celebration of the annual fiesta, at the same time to inculcate in the people the products Carcar is known for.

The name Kabkaban is taken from a kind of grass that grows abundantly in the city. Traditionally though, the festival as said is meant to keep away bad spirits and misfortune of the populace of Carcar. Cherish the time to explore the city in conjunction with this event as the city of Carcar is also known for other creative things like bolo making, weave making, wooden furniture manufacturing and antique reproduction.

Editor’s Note: To view other Festivals in Cebu on this list, simply browse through the page numbers below.
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30) Kawayan Festival (December 2nd, Alegria)

Kawayan Festival

“Kawayan” is the term for bamboo and is the major source of livelihood in Alegria aside from fishing and farming. Local contingents parade the streets in mardi gras-like style and locally produced bamboo products are on display. The street dancing competition is based on the kawayan costume and how the contenders display their beautiful apparels. The Festival is in honor of St. Francis Xavier.

The festival is only befitting to the tribute of bamboo, “kawayan” in vernacular, which sprouts in multitude in the municipality. Bamboos are source of income for Alegrianons because it has been utilized in number of livelihood like furniture-making such as beds, sala sets and chairs, home decors, accessories and even used to cook rice used its cut-off branch. With lively beat, striking costumes and signature bamboo dance, the festival portrays the culture, lifestyle and livelihood of the townsfolk. It is celebrated with a parade and display of different locally-made bamboo products.

Editor’s Note: To view other Festivals in Cebu on this list, simply browse through the page numbers below.
[/nextpage][nextpage title=”Toslob Festival (December 8th, Oslob)”]

31) Toslob Festival (December 8th, Oslob)

Toslob Festival

Toslob” is a Cebuano language which means to dip; it is based on this word where the town Oslob got its name. The Toslob festival is a gleeful event that incorporates the beauty and talent of the people in Oslob as they paved way to another bountiful year for the town. Lavish colors of bright green and yellow populated the streets of Oslob as they dance their way to prosperity and bounty for the many years to come during the Toslob festival. The festival offers amazing street dancing and constant loud cheers and beats of music.

The festival is routinely done yearly as a signage of offering and thanksgiving during the feast of the Immaculate Concepcion. Toslob festival is a dance and celebration of the people in Oslob as they give thanks to the Almighty for the blessings and protection He gave to the place for the year and the many years to come. It is held every December 8 in honor of the town’s patron saint. The immaculate Concepcion. Come and dip in some wonderment.

Editor’s Note: To view other Festivals in Cebu on this list, simply browse through the page numbers below.
[/nextpage][nextpage title=”Tag-Anito Festival (December 8th-9th, Tudela)”]

32) Tag-Anito Festival (December 8th-9th, Tudela)

Tag-anito Festival

Tag-anito is the original name of the town of Tudela. The Tag-anito Festival is the festival of the town geared towards reminiscing the towns’ history. “Tag-Anito” means inhabitants’ practice of worshipping anitos or spirit and was originally called the town of Tudela. Try to experience this amazing culture and also the beauty of the place and people.

A highlight of this festival in Cebu is a series of dances featuring the reenactment of the rescue of townspeople from Moro invaders by Mandayang, a warrior who used native talismans to summon spirits and defeat the intruders. It would be an amazing reenactment. Something for onlookers’ level of awareness. Every place has its tale to tell and Tudela has its own different print of history.

In case you want festivals mixed with some supernatural blend, feel free to witness this festival. It is truly fun and enliving.

Cebu Province is a sweet home of ethnicity and diversity and myriad of festivity. This fact is even more obvious when you’re taking notes of its festivals. Just in Cebu alone, indefinite festivals are being held in different parts of this coastal province the whole year round. Have the chance to explore these wonderful places and cherish their jovial celebration of their feasts.
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