This Week’s Festivals

Sept. 5

Tuna Festival

The city of General Santos in South Cotabato province pays homage to its fishermen for making the city a top producer of tuna. Festivities highlighting the city’s fishing industry include a tuna street parade and the sumptuous sashimi night.

Sept.7

Kinaiyahan Festival

Nature or “kinaiyahan” in Cebuano is showcased in a festival in the town of Dauin in Negros Oriental province. Activities featuring the town’s advocacy of environmental conservation and protection include street dances and field presentations.

Karatong Festival

Residents of Dulag in Leyte province celebrate “karatong,” Waray for bamboo percussion. The ancient people of Dulag used bamboos to warn the people of invaders such as pirates and tribesmen. The event coincides with the feast of the town’s patroness, Nuestra Señora del Refugio.

Sept. 8

Unesco World Heritage Cities Cultural Festival

Vigan City in Ilocos Sur province celebrates its being the only world heritage city in the Philippines as declared by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) on Dec. 2, 1999. Vigan has been holding the festival to promote the preservation of the city’s centuries-old historical and cultural structures. Events include art exhibits, historical literary writing contest, photography contest, folk dance competition and the Repazzo de Vigan, an interactive street parade featuring Vigan’s history.

Compiled by Kathleen de Villa, Inquirer Research

Sources: Inquirer Archives, DOT, coa.gov.ph, quezon.gov.ph, baler.gov.ph and vigancity.gov.ph