This Week’s Festivals: March 18-24, 2018

March 19

Pasayaw Festival

Locals give thanks for the abundant harvests through dancing in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental province. “Pasayaw,” which was derived from the phrase “pasalamat pinaagi sayaw,” features performers presenting different vegetables and crops while dancing to the rhythmic Latin or Samba beat. Activities include local government unit night, procession, baptism Mass and street dancing parade.

March 19

Araw ng Dabaw

The city of Davao in Davao del Sur province celebrates its 81st founding anniversary with monthlong festivities. March 19 was declared a special nonworking day as the city holds the “Araw ng Pasasalamat.” Other festivities include employee’s night, street party, agribusiness expo, women’s forum and sports festival.

March 24

Ligao Sunflower Festival

A colorful festival in Ligao City in Albay province in honor of St. Stephen. “Mirasol,” or sunflower in English, draws tourists in the city as it blooms at the Kawa-Kawa Natural Park. According to an urban legend, Mirasol was a beautiful maiden who attracted suitors in the province.

Compiled by Kathleen de Villa, Inquirer Research

Sources: Inquirer Archives, DOT, officialgazette.gov.ph, sanfernandocity.gov.ph, launion.gov.ph, lipatourism.wordpress.com, ligaocity.albay.gov.ph, Isabelo’s Archive by Resil B. Mojares