My Iloilo

When: October 30 (evening)

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.