Salakayan Festival – Reenactment of Battles Fought

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SALAKAYAN FESTIVAL

Photo from: https://flongology.wordpress.com/2014/01/27/iloilo-salakayan-festival-2014-schedule-of-activities/

The Salakayan festival of Miagao is held every first week of February. Salakayan, coined from a Hiligaynon term “salakay” or “ to attack,” is a street dance-drama that merges arts, lore and customs of the town.

It tells of personal power and daily activities of the people. The main theme depicts the victorious battle waged by the locals against Muslim marauders sometime in 1754. An important historical occasion for the people of Miag-ao, this annual festivity attracts guests to its weeklong activity of Food Fair, Agro-industrial and Trade Fair, Fluvial Parade, Higante contest, Literary Musical contest, Evening Socials and the hablon and patadyong Fashion show. The Gigantes Festival, personifying the prominent persons in Miagao’s history in large well-made mascots, is also a highlight of the Salakayan Festival. Read More: http://www.exploreiloilo.com/do/info/salakayan-festival-miagao/

Photo from: http://mybeautifuliloilo.blogspot.com/2013/01/15th-salakayan-festival-of-miagao.html

The term Salakayan, which was coined from a Hiligaynon term “salakay” or “to attack,” is a street dance-drama that merges arts, tradition and cultures of the town.

The highlight of this celebration is the Salakayan Presentation – a street dance-drama depicting the victorious battle on May 7, 1754, waged by the local defenders against the Muslim marauders who frequently attacked the shoreline of Miagao and divested the people of their belongings.

This historic attack or “salakay” gave the festivity its name. Read More: https://thedailyguardian.net/others/tribu-kabugwason-salakayan-festival-king/

Photo from: http://ramzkie.com/2012/02/miagao-salakayan-festival-2012-tribe-competition-winners-result-and-photos/

The annual celebration of Salakayan Festival of Miagao draws support from various organizations and groups especially those living and working abroad, inviting them to come home and re-discover the strength, talent, and beauty of their town and its people. As the community immerse themselves in the frenzied observance of their 297^th town fiesta this year, the celebration will highlight the 15^th Salakayan Festival with the theme, “Saulugon: Dugong Miagawanon” on February 2 -10 with the much-anticipated tribe competition on February 9 (Saturday) at 8 a.m.

Taken from the Hiligaynon word “Salakay” or “to attack,” the tribe competition remains as the favorite of all special events during the 9-day long celebration. It gathers the largest crowds of spectators year after year, from its farthest Barangay, to witness their favorite tribe perform. Read More: http://mybeautifuliloilo.blogspot.com/2013/01/15th-salakayan-festival-of-miagao.html