Kalipayan Festival (Biniray / Streetdancing) San Agustin 

Kalipayan Festival (Biniray / Streetdancing) San Agustin 

Get ready to witness a colorful and vibrant celebration in San Agustin Tablas, as the Kalipayan Festival (Biniray / Streetdancing) takes center stage! This annual festivity is an exciting event that highlights the unique culture of this small town in Romblon. With its rich history and fascinating traditions, the Kalipayan Festival has become a must-see attraction for both locals and tourists alike. So, let’s discover more about this amazing festival, shall we? Join me as we explore the different facets of the Kalipayan Festival – from its origins to its breathtaking Biniray Streetdance competition!

What is the Kalipayan Festival?

The Kalipayan Festival is an annual celebration that showcases the vibrant culture and traditions of San Agustin Tablas. This colorful event, which takes place every January 19th to 21st, features a variety of activities such as parades, streetdancing competitions and talent contests.

The festival has its roots in the town’s patron saint, St. Augustine. According to legend, a group of fishermen found a statue of the saint floating in the sea near Biniray Bay. They took this as a sign from above and brought it back to their village. Since then, the people of San Agustin have revered St. Augustine as their protector.

To celebrate St. Augustine’s feast day each year, locals dress up in colorful costumes inspired by marine life for the Biniray Streetdance competition – one of the most highly anticipated events during Kalipayan Festival.

Apart from various forms of entertainment displays throughout these three days on stage or street performances are also held at night where visitors can enjoy live music while trying local food delicacies like seafood dishes made with freshly caught fish from nearby waters.

The Kalipayan Festival offers an experience like no other!

The History of the Kalipayan Festival

The Kalipayan Festival is an annual celebration held in the town of San Agustin, Tablas Island. It is a grand event that showcases the rich culture and tradition of the locals through colorful festivities such as street dancing, parades, trade fairs, and more. However, have you ever wondered about how this festival came to be?

The history of the Kalipayan Festival can be traced back to 1989 when it was first celebrated as part of San Agustin’s founding anniversary. Over time, it has evolved into a grander affair that highlights not only their town but also their province – Romblon.

The name “Kalipayan” comes from the local dialect meaning “merriment or joy.” The festival aims to promote unity amongst its people while showcasing their unique cultural heritage.

One significant milestone in the history of Kalipayan Festival happened in 2011 when it became an official tourist attraction by offering guests a glimpse into local life with activities like island hopping tours and tours around historical sites.

Today, visitors flock to San Agustin every January for this lively celebration filled with music and dance performances that honor their ancestors’ traditions. The evolution and growth of the festival throughout its history show just how much it means not only to locals but also those who visit each year from different parts of the world.

The Biniray / Streetdancing Competition

The Biniray or Streetdancing Competition is the highlight of Kalipayan Festival in San Agustin Tablas. This competition features various dance groups from different barangays showcasing their creativity and talents through choreographed dances that narrate the story of the town’s history, culture, and traditions.

The dancers wear colorful costumes adorned with intricate designs and accessories that reflect the island’s indigenous materials such as shells, beads, feathers, and leaves. Each group has its unique style that sets them apart from others.

The competition takes place on the main street of San Agustin Tablas where locals and tourists gather to witness this lively event. The upbeat music accompanied by traditional instruments like drums, bamboo flutes, gongs adds more excitement to the atmosphere.

Judges evaluate each group based on several criteria such as artistic expression, costume design, choreography execution among others. The winners receive cash prizes along with recognition for their hard work.

It’s a fun-filled celebration that promotes unity among people while keeping alive their cultural heritage which makes it worth experiencing at least once in a lifetime!

The Different Types of Dances in the Biniray / Streetdancing Competition

The Biniray / Streetdancing Competition is one of the highlights of the Kalipayan Festival in San Agustin Tablas. It features different types of dances that showcase the town’s rich culture and tradition.

One of the most popular types of dance in the competition is called “Pandanggo sa Ilaw.” This dance involves balancing three lighted lanterns while gracefully moving to a lively beat. The dancers’ movements are rhythmic and fluid, creating an impressive spectacle for spectators.

Another type of dance featured in the competition is called “Tinikling.” This traditional Filipino folk dance involves two bamboo poles being hit together rhythmically by two people on either side, while other dancers quickly step over and between them without getting their feet caught.

The “Subli” dance is also a crowd favorite in the Biniray / Streetdancing Competition. It originates from Batangas province, where it was performed as part of religious rituals. In this intricate dance, performers move to tribal beats while dressed in colorful costumes adorned with beads and feathers.

Other dances such as “Maglalatik,” which uses coconut shells as musical instruments, and “Sayaw sa Bangko,” where performers balance gracefully on top of narrow benches while dancing, are also showcased during the festival.

These various types of dances make up a colorful display that exemplifies San Agustin Tablas’ unique cultural heritage during the Kalipayan Festival’s Biniray / Streetdancing Competition.

Conclusion

The Kalipayan Festival in San Agustin Tablas is a celebration of joy and merriment that brings together people from different walks of life. The Biniray or street dancing competition is one of the highlights of this festival, where locals showcase their creativity and talent through various dance forms.

Through this festival, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich culture and traditions of Romblon province while enjoying the beautiful scenery and warm hospitality of its people. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, the Kalipayan Festival is an experience that you will not forget.

So if you’re looking for a unique cultural experience that combines history, artistry, and entertainment, mark your calendar for next year’s Kalipayan Festival. You won’t regret it!

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