BANTAYAN FESTIVAL
Last week of March
Municipality of Guimbal
Bantayan Festival annually celebrates its rich history through a dance-drama presentation-competition using impressive prop, traditional dress, music and dancing with a blanket of dramatic expressions. Performances are always a spectacle. It is a happy celebration but most performers get to be very emotional when finally entering the arena.
Bantayan also celebrates their faith to their patron saint and protector, Sto. Nicholas de Tolentino, local legend described several apparitions that took place in the town and how these apparitions saved them from fierce attacks by the Muslim Pirates. The Bantayan or watchtower along with the Guimba, a drum wrapped in animal skin was used to warn the people of an incoming Moro raid are the cultural icons of the presentation and are prominent in every dance- drama presentation.
For more information, please contact Karen Gayanilo Felicio, Municipal Tourism Officer at (033) 3155277/ 3155288 or email at [email protected].
Read also: The Ultimate List of Festivals in Iloilo Province
Sources:
ILOILO PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT TOURISM OFFICE
2/F, Casa Real Bonifacio Drive, Iloilo City
Telefax No: (+63 33) 3384910
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Blog: mybeautifulILOILO
Website: www.iloilo.gov.ph/tourism
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM REGION VI
Capitol Grounds, Bonifacio Drive, lloilo City
Tel. Nos: (0063) (033) 3375411/5093550
Telefax: (0063) (033) 3350245
Email: [email protected]
Websites: http://www.westernvisayastourism.com.ph or http://www.visitmyphilippines.com
