Fiesta in the City

By Wein Pellobello Gadian

The richness of Ilonggo heritage is embodied in its colorful tradition, the fiesta.

'Fiesta' or feast is the Ilonggo way of of honoring the many patron saints or the commemorating of history.

Department of Tourism, Region 6 Director Edwin Trompeta during the May 16 opening of Fiesta in the City.

'Banderettas,' or those colorful flaglets held together by a string and would deck the streets, is one 'icon' of the fiesta. Then there's the always booming sound system, through which the officials of the barangay or the town would invite people to the dance floor, or 'baylehan.'

The observance of the fiesta brings with it richness to the culture. The native-inspired costumes, bamboo furniture and delicacies are among those, to name a few.

And each fiesta is unique for every town, barangay or sitio (hamlet).

Unique it may be for every community, a fiesta is never without a mix of festivity and hospitality.

This month, one can experience these festivities in SM City Iloilo's 'Fiesta in the City.'

The week-long affair starts May 16 – 29. The event is held in cooperation with the Department of Tourism.

The activity will have various events such as trade fairs, presentation of festival queens, daily cultural shows and a two-day food festival participated in by the different cities and municipalities. Folk dance and exhibits competitions are expected. It will also feature live performances from Manila entertainers and a Santacruzan to be graced by a Manila personality.

Exhibit contest is located at the lower ground floor, beside YSA Skin Clinic. The participating municipalities and provinces are: Provinces of Aklan, Antique and Guimaras; Iloilo and Passi Cities; and the towns of Miag-ao, Guimbal, Pavia, Ajuy, Leganes, Maasin and Barotac Viejo.

The Oro Verde mango plantation and the Guimaras Producers and Processors Association are also participating.

Adding further color to the festivities is Antique's Binirayan, Maasin's Tultugan, Guimbal's Bantayan, Guimaras' Bantayan, and nationally-acclaimed Passi City's Pintados de Pasi, among other festivals.

Come to the ultimate shopping and entertainments destination in the region, SM City Iloilo.