Street dancing is one of the highlights of every town festival in the Philippine islands.
Street pole banners, light pole banners and
mini flags adorn the city. The festive mood of music, food and laughter reverberates the whole day through. Night time is usually reserved for local beauty contests, a staple in every town fiesta.
The Sinulog Festival is Cebu City's fiesta of fiestas. Held every first month of the year, it is characterized by its peculiar two-steps-forward-and-one-step-backward shuffle which simulates the Holy Child on the seashore. The Sinulog is a century-old tradition and has been observed in this part of the Visayas region. The prayer-dance is synchronized to the beat of drums and shouts of "Pit Senior! Viva Sto. Nino!"
However, my most memorable experience is the Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City. Merry mayhem breaks loose in Iloilo every January when Ilonggos leave everything behind to join in the fiesta of the year. All inhibitions are dropped. Boring everyday clothes are exchanged for "Ati" warrior costumes and black body paint. People from every age, old and young, rich and poor join hands together and dance in the streets amidst the pounding rhythm of drums. The costumed Ilonggos put their best feet forward in celebration of Dinagyang.
Both the Dinagyang of Iloilo and Sinulog of Cebu actually take their roots from the Ati-Atihan Festival of Kalibo, Aklan. Ati-atihan commemorates the 13th century land deal between 10 migrating Bornean chieftains and the aboriginal Ati King Marikudo. It also honors the town patron, the Sto. Nino (Infant Jesus). The ceaseless, rhythmic pounding of drums get to you, and before you know it you are on the street, shuffling your feet, shaking your head, waving your hands - and joining thousands of soot-blacked, gaily-costumed revelers in an ancient ritual of mindless merriment. A familiar battle cry reaches your ears, "Hala Bira! Hala Bira!" Sweet, original street dancing at its best!
by:
The Flagman
