The month of May is the month of Fiestas in Bohol. For the uninitiated, a fiesta is a celebration in honor of the patron saint of a town or barrio. It’s a tradition that started during the Spanish colonial days. It’s a mini-festival of some sort and Boholanos from all over the world come home to take part of these festivals and fiestas in their town or barrio. It is said that Bohol sinks an inch during the month of May because of the deluge of people. Fiestas are characterized by plenty of food and merriment. This is also the time for family reunions when family members from places far and near gather to keep in touch with loved ones.
Foremost of the Festivals here is the Sandugo Festival in July. It’s done annually to commemorate the Sandugo or Blood Compact between Datu Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. The highlights of the festival are agro-industrial fair, cultural and historical showcase, sports events, a beauty pageant, balls and dances, entertainment shows, and streetdancing which culminates with the re-enactment of the blood compact or Sandugo between Datu Sikatuna and Don Miguel López de Legazpi.
Other prominent fiestas and festivals are as follows:
Tagbilaran City Fiesta (May 1).
It is one of the most exciting and fun-filled occasions in the capital city of Bohol. This celebration starts the month-long fiestas all over Bohol. At least one barrio or town celebrates fiesta for each day of the month of May.
Bolibong Kingking Festival (May 23-24)
This is a music and dance festivity depicting the history, folklore, and traditions of the Loboc, Bohol. Bolibong Kingking is a term applied to the drums and gongs and their rhythm used to accompany the supplication dance ritual in front of the Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the 2nd Patron of Loboc, Bohol.
- Ubi Festival (January)
- Pana-ad sa Loboc (Holy Thursday & Good Friday)
- Sambat Mascara y Regatta Festival (1st Saturday of December)
- Suroy sa Musikero (December 25 – February 2)
For the complete lists of Fiestas in Bohol, you may want to check out the compilation by Bol-anon’s
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- bohol barrio fiestas
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