Capiz province is renowned for its natural wonders, historical sites and its abundance of fresh seafood in the Philippines. But it also holds yearly Capiz festivals that are colorful and lively that can be a fun addition to your tour of the province. These annual festivities offer you the chance to experience delicious meals and witness creative performances that share part of the soul of the surrounding communities.
So mark your calendars and plan your Capiz tour itineraries for these 18 thrilling festivals you must experience on your visit:
18 Thrilling Capiz Festivals You Should Experience
1. Pangahaw Festival
A day that is meant to celebrate the rich harvest of the start of the year through various performances in indigenous clothing. It comes from the term “mahaw” which translates to breakfast. It was traditionally a time where the community had thanksgiving performances before eating the fresh harvest of rice.
WHEN: Every Month of January
2. Hil-o Hil-o Festival
This Capiz festival is about fostering mutual interdependence among the community. This can be done in various forms such as helping your neighbor, showing love for your family or giving material donations to those in need.
WHEN: Every 3rd Week of February
3. Capiztahan Festival
A Capiz festival which celebrates the establishment of the province Capiz thanks and honors Manuel A. Roxas, the 5th president of the Philippines for his contribution. It features many dance performances which depict periods of Philippine history and its varied indigenous cultural heritage. They also have a huge preparation of special seafood dishes and
WHEN: Every April 15th
4. Lingga-Anay Festival
This is a celebration that centers around the biggest bell in Asia, The Panay Bell, located in Sta. Monica Church. This Capiz festival showcases street performances that feature different kinds of musical and dance performances near the church.
WHEN: Every May 1 to 4
5. Sinaot Festival
A street dance performance competition that is inspired from the Maskara Festival of Bacolod City. It is preceded by a church procession then a giant feast prepared for the whole community on April 30. The dancers are often wearing very bright, colorful outfits combined with dynamic movements.
WHEN: Every May 1 (Labor Day)
6. Talahong Festival
A Capiz festival that is also celebrated in the municipality of Sapian. You can expect to find a lot of different seafood being served on that day, most especially foods that focus on oysters or mussels as the main ingredient.
WHEN: Every 2nd Friday and Saturday of May
7. Guyum-Guyuman Festival
A celebration meant to pay homage to the original name of the town which is “Caguyaman”. The word when translated means “anthill” because of the many ants that populated the community once. During this day, you can find that many of the locals will do barter trading during this
WHEN: Every Month of May
8. Agdahanay Festival
The municipality of Cuartero celebrates this to honor the town’s patron saint, San Antonio Padua. The spirit of “Agdahanay,” hospitality and togetherness, is embodied in a week-long celebration filled with fun activities that bring the community closer.
WHEN: Every 2nd Week of June
9. Hil-O-Hanay Festival
One of the Capiz festivals which showcases the original cultural practices of the inhabitants of the town of Sigmahanon. “Hil-O” when translated means “mutuality” or “reciprocity”, this refers to the time when the community would help one another in preparing their harvest for the season.
WHEN: Every Month of June
10. Tagbuan Festival
A community celebration in the municipality of Pilar that has many dance performances in the streets and markets that also recently included celebrity guests into this Capiz festival. “Tagbu” when translated means “to meet” and is used here to show how farmers and lowland fishermen would meet to exchange commodities.
WHEN: Every 29th of May
11. Tilibyugan sa Talahong Festival
Is the combination of two previously separate festivals, which is now celebrated to honor Saint Anne, the patron saint of the town of Sapia. The term “Tibyug,” meaning “to elevate” or “assist,” is the inspiration for the festival’s name. While “tahong” refers to the mussels which is the main seafood export of Sapian.
WHEN: Every 3rd Week of July
12. Padagyaw Festival
A Capiz festival celebrated in Dumarao which features a stage play and dance performance taking place in the streets or the square of the town. It also incorporates church traditions and goods trading fairs. Many local schools participate in the dance competition to be able to get recognition for all their hard work.
WHEN: Every August 1 to 5
13. Pagpasidungog Festival
An event that lasts for 5 days that features a marching celebration and dance contest that takes place in Panitan, it is an event that is meant to spur local unity through various advocacies. In the past they have shown support for local farmers, a parade to honor diverse Filipino heritage, and a fiesta queen competition.
WHEN: Every August 6 to 10
14. Buyloganay Festival
A Capiz festival that is meant to honor its patron saint, Nicholas of Tolentino. “Buyloganay” is a value in the Ivisan community that promotes collaboration and togetherness. The festivities last for five days which start on September 5 and end with a huge feast.
WHEN: Every September 10
15. Patabang Festival
Another celebration that combines local indigenous traditional dances with religious practices. The word “patabang” connotes unity and togetherness with one’s neighbors. In addition to community bonding, the festivities pay tribute to Saint Jerome, the patron saint of Tapaz.
WHEN: Every Month of September
16. Pasalamat Festival
Festivities that are intended to honor the arrival of the saint’s image in the Philippines and in the City of Pagadian. It shows the ritual dances of indigenous Filipino communities and a beauty pageant that showcases original and intricate dress designs.
WHEN: Every 3rd Sunday in January
17. Inilusan Festival
A special occasion that takes place in the municipality of Mambusao where the choreographed dances retell the history of the place. This is a unique festival to witness for your Capiz tour, where you will be exposed to the community’s local legends and history through performance.
WHEN: Every November 25
18. Sinadya sa Halaran Festival
The name of the festival when translated means “Joy of Sharing”, a theme which resonates in all the activities during the celebrations. This is a notable Roxas City festivity to visit for your Capiz tour that features a ritual money dance for weddings, folk games like palosebo, and promotion of agricultural to seafood products.
WHEN: Every December 8
Capiz Is A Year-Round Festival Destination
The province is a place filled with the spirit of community and recognition of the diversity of Filipino culture. Colorful costumes, well performed dance numbers, and lots of good food awaits you on your visit to each of these festivals on your Capiz tour.
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If you are looking for a direct trip to Roxas City for your Capiz tour, check out Starlite Ferries sea route schedules. Starlite offers comfortable and safe travels to Batangas, Calapan, Caticlan, Capiz, Sibuyan, and Romblon. Contact us to help get you started on your exploration of Capiz festivals and tourist sites.