Where: Pavia, Iloilo, Philippines

This festival is the ONLY FESTIVAL OF ITS KIND in the province of Iloilo celebrated in consonance with All Souls’ Day. The term “TIGKARALAG” comes from Ilonggo words, “tig” which means “season of” and “kalag” which means”soul”. Participated in by the barangays of the municipality.

The festival starts with a parade  from Brgy. Aganan to the town’s plaza for a dance-drama competition with a storyline reflective of Tigkaralag.

2009, I had the privileged to cover the event. When I arrived at the Plaza, there are a lot of people waiting for the competition to start.

First, a banner competition. Each competing Barangay, designs a spooky banner for this competition.

Second, a costume competition. This time, the competing Barangay will submit their spookiest costume.

Lastly, a dance competition. An interpretative dance for that matter. As each performance tells a story.

More pictures from 2009:

Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.

Here’s a video of the winning candidate 2009:

Video and Info comes from JP Peñol, currently Pavia SB Member.

I will keep on coming back to Pavia to witness this festival.

Where: San Joaquin, Iloilo, Philippines

The festival is about the exchange of customs and traditions during barter of Panay.

For more info contact Municipal Tourism Officer at +63 33 3147240

Where: Sta. Barbara, Iloilo, Philippines

Celebrating New Year by making loud sounds.

Where: Pototan, Iloilo, Philippines

“Iwag” a term which means shine. A festival of lights which made Pototan the Christmas Capital of Western Visayas.

Where: Sta. Barbara, Iloilo, Philippines

Also known as “Cry of Sta. Barbara.” A festival in a dance-drama form which is a reenactment of struggle for freedom by our very own local folks led by the heroic Gen. Martin G. Delgado. A grand parade with participants dressed in Spanish costumes, games and cultural presentations.

Where: Dueñas, Iloilo, Philippines

A thanksgiving celebration for having a good harvest and surpassing the trials and crisis during lean months.

Where: Cabatuan, Iloilo, Philippines

A street-dancing festivity by agencies and non-governmental organizations om the Municipality of Cabatuan. It is a 10-day celebration of the Feast of San Nicolas de Tolentino.

Where: Oton, Iloilo, Philippines

A week-long celebration to promote Ogtonganon’s (people of Oton) culture and history. It is also celebration along town’s Foundation Day.

Where: Leon, Iloilo, Philippines

Harvest and tribe competition.

Where: Pavia, Iloilo, Philippines

A parade of 18 gaily decorated bamboo sleds and race among carroza-pulling carabaos pm a 400 meter course.