Bantayan Festival – Reenactment of Struggle

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BANTAYAN FESTIVAL

Photo from: https://alexpvidal.wordpress.com/tag/bantayan-festival/

The municipality of Guimbal, situated outside the city of Iloilo, will be home to local and international tourists alike as it stages the annual Bantayan Festival which commemorates the foundation of Guimbal as a settlement. In this fete, two symbols which represent the town are commemorated: the Bantayan, or the watch towers which served as the guard against the Moro invaders who attempted to besiege the town, and the Gimba or drum, which stands for merrymaking among the crowd. A lot of activities are lined up by the municipal government for the festivities, among them a fluvial parade sponsored by the church, streetdancing within the town center, a beauty pageant participated by the town’s fine ladies, and cultural and sports contests participated by the active townsfolk. Read More: http://www.metrokelan.com/festivals-and-fairs/bantayan-festival_i3338

Photo from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKLYbdudXVQ

Every March 9-15 is a celebration of the birth of a new history and culture of the people of Guimbal as a tribute and reverence to the triumphant struggle of its ancestors for meaningful existence.The magic of the Gimba (drum) and the Bantayan (watchtower) are the major features of the festival. The festival also features dance drama, drum, float & street dancing competition, cultural shows, beauty pageant, paraw & boat racing, fluvial parade, musical concerts and many other presentations. Read More: http://www.tourism.gov.ph/sitepages/FestivitiesList.aspx?festivityCode=158&monthCode=03

Photo from: http://ramzkie.com/2012/04/bantayan-festival-a-commemoration-of-bravery-and-heroism-of-guimbalanons/

The Bantayan Festival serves as a memorial to the town of Guimbal’s past, and a veneration to the vigilance, bravery and heroism of its founding fathers. The history of the Guimbalanons’ struggle should be celebrated so that the younger generations will know how their forefathers have sacrifice a lot for the safety of the town. Its return to significance gave birth to the annual celebration of Bantayan Festival which was conceptualized and started in 2003.

At the heart of the Bantayan Festival is the re-enactment of battles between the natives of Guimbal and the Muslim pirates. The progressive and peaceful municipality of Guimbal offer their triumphs as homage to their patron saint, as well as a thanksgiving for its rich heritage. Read More: https://www.vigattintourism.com/tourism/articles/The-Bantayan-Festival-of-Guimbal-Iloilo

Photo from: http://mybeautifuliloilo.blogspot.com/2012/04/10th-bantayan-festival-in-guimbal.html