Butuan ~ Festival City

Butuan provides many activities for its guests. Aside from the nature-related activities such as swimming, spelunking, mountain climbing and water sports, Butuan  also provides its guests the opportunities for a cultural immersion. The culture of Butuan City demonstrates their day-to-day living, beliefs and livelihood. Thus, Butuan’s cultural heritage is manifested though its events and traditional festivals:

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Kahimunan Festival

Held every third Sunday of January, Kahimunan Festival is Butuan’s way of showing its gratitude towards one of its patron saints, the Sto. Nino, also known as the Child Jesus. The word “Kahimunan” is from a dialect meaing the “gathering”. On the day of the Kahimunan Festival, participants line up the streets to present exotic dances and ceremonies. Dancers are dressed up in colorful costumes as they dance to native music. Theatrical performances of ceremonies and dances are highlighted as they decorate the streets with their exotic costumes and native ornaments such as baskets, spears and other accessories.

Adlaw Hong Butuan Festival

The Adlaw Hong Butuan is a yearly event in Butuan that celebrates its Charter Day. The Adlaw Hong Festival pays tribute to Butuan’s administrative status as a city. It therefore honors Butuan’s municipal officials, citizens and past leaders who have contributed their loyalty and efforts to the city. Adlaw Hong Butuan presents the city’s modern culture through its street parties, beauty pageants and motorcades. There is also a parade of performers and colorful floats to as the highlight of the event. Adlaw Hong Butuan is celebrated on the second day of August.

Balanghai Festival

The Balanghai Festival commemorates the historical significance of the nine Balanghai Boats as they provide the strongest evidence of Butuan’s economic and cultural role in the ancient Asian maritime trade through a night of exotic performances, colorful costumes and floats. There are also contests, exhibits and other festivities during the said event. Balanghai Festival is celebrated during the third week of May, and also coincides with the feast of city’s patron saint, St Joseph.

Abayan Festival

The Abayan Festival is known for its yearly baroto race along the mighty Agusan Riverl. The festival is highlighted by a colorful fluvial procession of decorated boats carrying the image of St. Anne; the patron saint of Agusan River. The festival is held every the last Sunday of July.

photos by Erwin Mascarinas