Kadaugan sa Mactan – a Reenactment of Cebu’s History

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KADAUGAN SA MACTAN

Photo from: http://www.cebu-bluewaters.com/kadaugan-sa-mactan.html

Every April 27th, Lapu-Lapu City celebrates the “Kadaugan sa Mactan.” The event is a reenactment of the historic Battle of Mactan between Ferdinand Magellan and Cebu’s very own hero, Lapu-Lapu.

This year’s celebration will feature a samba-themed parade, “Rampada.” The theme is inspired by Brazil’s Carnival Parade, which is known for its vibrant pageantry and street parties. The city aims to attract more local and foreign visitors with this initiative. Organizers expect at least 10,000 attendees.

The week-long celebration will begin on April 27, with the reenactment of the epic battle. Decorated canoes will be featured in a fluvial procession to represent the arrival of Magellan’s ships. A reenactment of Magellan’s planting of a cross and the famous baptism of natives will follow. It is usual for the organizers to invite celebrities to portray the roles of Lapu-Lapu, Magellan, and Reyna Bulakna. In 2008, Manny Pacquiao attracted large crowds when he took on the role of Lapu-Lapu. There are no updates on this year’s cast yet. Read More: http://www.everythingcebu.com/attractions/festivals/kadaugan-sa-mactan-2011/

Photo from: http://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/28222/kadaugan-sa-mactan-draws-15000

Lapu-Lapu was the king of Mactan, who is known as the first native of the archipelago to have resisted Spanish colonization. He is now regarded as the first Filipino hero. Lapu-Lapu is remembered for thwarting a Spanish invasion of his island and causing the death of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, in what would later be known as the Battle of Mactan.
On the morning of April 27, 1521, Magellan and a larger force returned to Mactan to end the revolt.

Lapu-Lapu and the men of Mactan, armed with spears, and kampilan, faced Spanish soldiers led by Magellan wearing armor from his head to his knees. Magellan and a number of his men were killed, and the Spanish ships promptly left for good.

Now this day is celebrated every year on April 27 beside the Mactan Shrine on Mactan Island. The Event, “Kadaugan Sa Mactan Festival” starts 1 Week earlier with a Street Dancing. During this week you can join the Food Festival. Several Hotels and Restaurants are presenting themselves and are offering fine food for a cheap price. People enjoy the lights, which are installed all over the place and the stage, which is permanently built at the beach side. Read More: http://www.philippines-private-adventure.com/Mactan-Kadaugan.html

Photo from: http://www.philippines-private-adventure.com/Mactan-Kadaugan.html

A weeklong commemoration of the historic battle of Mactan between the Spanish Conquestador Fernando Magallanes and Mactan Chieftain Lapu-Lapu. The 3 ships of Magellan are represented by the bancas or canoes and they are made to lead a river procession up to the beach. This act is followed by the re-enactment of the planting of the Magellan’s Cross leading to the final act of Lapu-Lapu’s victory. Kadaugan sa Mactan literally implies about the ‘Victory of Mactan’. It was also called Bahugbahug sa Mactan or ‘Melee at Mactan’ when it was initially staged in 1981. The exact time of the commencement of the festival mostly depends on the tidal conditions and otherwise it is known to begin at around 8 in the early morning hours. This festival is mostly celebrated on the 27th of April with much grandeur and pageantry. This festival grants the Cebuano people a good opportunity to re-visit the days of Mactan Battle between Magellan and Lapu-Lapu and also to celebrate their history and events. Read More: http://www.tourganize.com/article/blog/2015/08/23/cebu-festivals-that-you-should-visit/