The Salakayan Festival is an annual festival that takes place in Miagao, a first-class municipality in the province of Iloilo, Philippines. It is a week-long event filled with various activities that showcase the history, culture, and traditions of the town. This festival takes place every first week of February and attracts a large number of visitors who come to experience the genuine history of Miagao.
 |
| Photo courtesy of LGU Miagao / Facebook |
The Salakayan Presentation: A Street Dance-Drama
One of the highlights of the festival is the Salakayan presentation, a show that showcases the town’s history and its people’s bravery. This presentation is a street dance- that tells the story of the successful battle waged by the locals against Muslim marauders also called as “Moros” in May 7, 1754. The presentation merges the arts, lore, and customs of the town and depicts the daily activities and personal power of the people. The theme of the presentation is a way of thanksgiving and a way to remember the heroism of their ancestors who fought to protect their town.
Week-long Celebrations: Fun and Amusement for Everyone
The Salakayan Festival is not just about the Salakayan presentation but a week-long course of activities that offer fun and amusement not only to the locals but also to the guests. The festival features a Food Fair, Agro-industrial and Trade Fair, Fluvial Parade, Higantes parade/contest, Literary Musical contest, Evening Socials and the Hablon and Patadyong Fashion show. All these activities are held in several venues throughout the historic center of Miagao, providing guests with a complete cultural experience.
The Higantes Parade: Figures of Heroism
Another highlight of the Salakayan Festival is the Higantes parade and contest, which is a representation of the prominent figures in Miagao’s history through large well-made mascots. The Higantes parade is an important part of the Salakayan Festival as it showcases the rich history of the town and its people. Some of the Higantes’ figures are town heroes who are known as the bravest people in the province and their efforts to protect their place from intruders.
Cultural and Eco-tourism Importance
The Salakayan Festival not only offers a cultural experience but also a boost to the eco-tourism of the province. The festival makes a great contribution to the cultural environment and increases the eco-tourism of the province of Iloilo. It is a genuine historical experience of the town and its visitors, giving life to the town’s history and a celebration of the victory of the natives in fighting.
Conclusion
The Salakayan Festival of Miagao is a celebration of the town’s culture, history, and traditions. It is a week-long event that offers fun, amusement, and cultural experiences for all. The Salakayan presentation, the week-long activities, and the Higantes parade are all significant parts of the celebration that showcase the rich history of the town. Help us share this amazing celebration by sharing this blog post on your social media accounts and leaving a comment below. Encourage your friends and family to experience the Salakayan Festival for themselves and immerse themselves in the vibrant street dance-dramas, food fairs, and other exciting activities. Don’t miss the chance to be a part of this annual celebration and get ready to experience the magnificent past of Miagao.
Watch the Salakayan Festival 2023 Teaser Video below:
Disclaimer: All photos used in this post are sourced from the Official Facebook Page of the LGU Miagao and are used solely for the purpose of illustration. No copyright infringement is intended, and all rights belong to the original owner.
0 Comments