Salakayan Festival in Iloilo - Philippines

One of the most visited, popular, and inviting celebrations in the province of Iloilo, Salakayan Festival features different special activities and events for the entertainment of tourists and local people. The events included in the festival surely promote the heritage, history, as well as culture of some of the tribes in the province. To make sure that this Ilonggo festival is celebrated successfully, the provincial government usually provides funds for the conceptualization and organization of events featured in this special festival.

Location Where Salakayan Festival is Annually Held

Celebrated during the first week of February, Salakayan Festival is held at the historical municipality of Miagao in Iloilo province. For travelers from Manila City and Cebu City who like to observe this special festival, they can reach Miagao by two ways. First, they can go to the airports of the cities and take flights to the airport of Iloilo province. Some of the airlines in the airports that have flights to the place are Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific. Second, individuals can ride in vessels at the seaports of the cities that are bound to Iloilo. Form Iloilo airport and seaport, there are jeepneys and taxis that can transport people to Miagao.

Events Featured in Salakayan Festival

Many tourists like to observe Salakayan Festival since it features different interesting and enjoyable events. Trade fair, food fair, Patadyong Fashion Show, and Fluvial Parade are some of the entertaining and captivating events included at this weeklong celebration. Meanwhile, one of the special activities at the festival is the Gigantes Contest, which features some local residents who wear giant mascots portraying historical personalities in Miagao, Iloilo. Aside from this, tourists also enjoy cultural presentations that depict the culture of Miagao tribes including Tribu Kabuswagan, Tribu Daplong, and Tribu Bantalaan.

History

The history of the municipality of Miagao is filled with the greatness and bravery of early people who gave their lives to defend the place to moro marauders. According to the residents of the place, these marauders captivated many people in the province and made them their slaves. As a way of recognizing the efforts and sacrifices of early residents in Miagao, Iloilo, the municipal and provincial government conceptualized Salakayan Festival. Budget tourists can surely enjoy this celebration because they do not need to spend huge amount of money to participate in the festival. By allotting at least 5,000 pesos as a budget, including their transportation and accommodation allowances, they can already watch this remarkable, interesting, and entertaining celebration in Miagao, Iloilo.