A showcase of festivals
On October 27, the streets of downtown Iloilo City will transform into a sea of colors. In the Regional Parade of Festivals, 20 of the region's more than 100 festivals will march along the streets in a vibrant and collective celebration that intertwines culture, history and religiosity.
As one of the eight major events of the Western Visayas Tourism Assembly, it highlights the biggest festivals from the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental in a half-day extravaganza that culminates at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand.
Of the six provinces, Iloilo has the most number of performing festivals. It includes the famous Dinagyang and Paraw Regatta of Iloilo City, as well as Tinu-om of Cabatuan, Pandayan of Badiangan, Saad of Leganes, Lanot of Janiuay, Cry of Jelicuon of New Lucena, Kahilwayan of Sta. Barbara, Pakuyang sa Tangyan of Igbaras, Banaag of Anilao, and Pintados of Passi City.
Negros Occidental is presenting three of its major festivals. From the capital of Bacolod City is Masskara while Bago City has the El Cinco de Noviembre and Babaylan.
Aklan will showcase two festivals with the world-famous Ati-Atihan of Kalibo and Bariw of Nabas. Likewise, Antique also has two festivals with Binirayan and Pahinis of Laua-an.
The provinces of Capiz and Guimaras will showcase its Sinadya sa Halaran and Manggahan, respectively.
The parade kicks off 8.a.m at the promenade of the Iloilo Provincial Capitol. From there, it will pass along the streets of Iznart, J.M. Basa, Ortiz, Rizal, and De Leon. The junction in Iznart and Solis Sts. will be the first performing area and the culminating performance is at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand.
Organizers have clarified that this is purely a showcase of festivals. It is not a competition, although special awards will be given.
(DOT 6)